Greek glossa – tongue; odes – similar to; an apparent allusion to the tongue-shaped calli at the base of the labellum.                                    

Terrestrial herbs, sympodial, deciduous.tubers spherical, paired at base of leaf, protected by a fibrous tunic. Leaves solitary, basal, oblong to lanceolate, margins entire, thin, hairy, green, stalkless. Inflorescence a terminal raceme, erect. Flowers resupinate, 1-3, medium sized, mostly mauve to purple. Sepals and petals similar, ovate to lanceolate, spreading, free. Labellum obscurely 3-lobed, with 2 variously fused calli at base. Column thick, erect, broadly winged. Pollinia 4, mealy.

These native terrestrial orchids are occasionally grown in pots by enthusiasts. They are moderately hardy and grow well in a light well-drained compost that is normally changed annually.

Two species from Australia.

Labellum with a pair of basal calli that may be wholly or partly fused.

Backhouse & Jeanes (1995).

Source: Jeanes, J. (2005). Orchidaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.