Greek rhynchos − beak, Laelia − a related orchid genus; literally a Laelia with a beak.

Epiphytic or epilithic herbs, sympodial, with thick, creeping rhizomes. Stems thickened into club- or spindle-shaped pseudobulbs, compressed, with papery basal bracts. Leaves solitary, leathery, oblongelliptic, stalkless. Inflorescences terminal racemes, erect. Flowers resupinate, usually solitary, large, showy, mostly yellowish-green and white. Sepals similar, free, spreading. Petals similar to sepals, free. Labellum obscurely 3-lobed, free, tubular at base, surrounding column. Column long, stout, 2- winged. Pollinia 8, waxy.

2 species from Mexico and C America.

Similar to Brassavola but with thickened pseudobulbs rather than cane-like stems.

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.