Greek odontos – tooth; gloss − tongue; an allusion to the tooth-like calli on the labellum of many species.
Epiphytic or epilithic herbs, sympodial, with short or long creeping rhizomes. Stems thickened into ovoid or oblong pseudobulbs, compressed, enclosed at base by sheaths, green. Leaves apical, 1-3, fleshy or leathery, variously shaped. Inflorescences basal racemes, simple or branched, erect to arching. Flowers resupinate, usually many, often large, variously coloured but often yellow or brown. Sepals similar, dorsal free, laterals free or variously fused at base. Petals similar to sepals, often shorter, free. Labellum entire or 3-lobed, clawed, side lobes erect or spreading, midlobe entire or notched, curved under, with basal ridges or tooth-like calli. Column long, slender, winged at tip. Pollinia 2, waxy.
About 58 species from C and S America.
Flowers often yellow and brownish; compressed pseudobulbs with 1-3 apical leaves.
Bockemühl (1989).
Source: (2005). Orchidaceae. In: . Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.
