Cymboglossum
Cymboglossum
Cymboglossum is a genus of flowering plants in the orchid family, Orchidaceae, native to Southeast Asia, including Borneo, the Philippines, Sulawesi, and Sumatra. It was formerly recognized as the genus Ascidieria, but molecular studies have confirmed it should be merged under the validly published name Cymboglossum. The genus includes several species, each with unique characteristics within the orchid family.
Key Facts
- ›Cymboglossum is a genus of orchids.
- ›It is native to Borneo, the Philippines, Sulawesi, and Sumatra.
- ›The genus was formerly known as Ascidieria.
- ›Several species are recognized within the genus.
- ›It belongs to the tribe Podochileae within the Orchidaceae family.

Ascidieria
About Cymboglossum
Cymboglossum is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the orchid family, Orchidaceae. This genus is recognized for its native presence in several Southeast Asian regions, specifically Borneo, the Philippines, Sulawesi, and Sumatra. The taxonomy of Cymboglossum has seen some evolution, with a period where it was considered synonymous with the genus Ascidieria, a name that may still be encountered in some references. Molecular phylogenetic studies have clarified its placement, confirming that Ascidieria should be merged under the validly published name Cymboglossum.
Taxonomy and Species
The genus Cymboglossum was initially described as a section within the genus Eria by Rudolf Schlechter in 1911. It was later elevated to the rank of genus, though this required taxonomic correction to validate the name. The genus Ascidieria was established by Gunnar Seidenfaden in 1984. A significant molecular phylogenetic study in 2018 indicated the necessity of merging Ascidieria and Cymboglossum. Although the authors of this study were unaware of the prior validation of the name Cymboglossum, leading to an incorrect merging under Ascidieria, current botanical consensus favors Cymboglossum as the correct genus name.
As of August 2023, several species are recognized under the genus Cymboglossum. These include species such as Cymboglossum caricifolium, Cymboglossum cymbidiifolium, Cymboglossum cymbiforme, Cymboglossum grande, Cymboglossum longifolium, Cymboglossum maculiflorum, Cymboglossum maculosum, Cymboglossum palawanense, Cymboglossum pseudocymbiforme, and Cymboglossum zamboangense. Each of these species contributes to the diversity within the genus and the broader Orchidaceae family.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cymboglossum?
Cymboglossum is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the orchid family, Orchidaceae. These plants are native to several regions in Southeast Asia.
Where is Cymboglossum found naturally?
The natural distribution of Cymboglossum includes Borneo, the Philippines, Sulawesi, and Sumatra. These locations provide the diverse habitats where these orchids can thrive.
What is the taxonomic history of Cymboglossum?
Cymboglossum was first described as a section of the genus Eria. It was later raised to genus rank, but its validation involved complex taxonomic corrections. The genus Ascidieria was also established, and later studies indicated that both should be merged under the correct name Cymboglossum.
Are there other names for Cymboglossum?
Yes, Cymboglossum is also known by the synonym Ascidieria. This synonym was used due to taxonomic complexities and some sources may still refer to it by this name.
How many species are in the Cymboglossum genus?
As of August 2023, several species are accepted within the Cymboglossum genus. These include species like Cymboglossum caricifolium, Cymboglossum grande, and Cymboglossum longifolium, among others.
Related Orchid species
Cylindrolobus
Cylindrolobus is a genus of orchids comprising approximately 80 species. These orchids are found across a wide geographic range, from New Guinea to Southeast Asia, southern China, and India. They are distinct for their slender, elongate stems that are typically not pseudobulbous, with leaves distributed along the entire length.
Brachypeza
Brachypeza, commonly known as sage orchids, is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the orchid family, Orchidaceae. These orchids are characterized by their short stems, fleshy leaves, and arching flower stems bearing short-lived blooms. They are native to tropical regions spanning from Indochina to New Guinea.

Callostylis
Callostylis is a genus of orchids native to Southeast Asia, ranging from Assam and southern China to Java. Previously considered a synonym of the genus Eria, it is now an accepted name. The genus is recognized for its diverse species found across various regions within its native range.