Corybas Salisbury
Parad. Lond. t.. 83(1807)

Introduction:A large genus of some 100 species distributed from northern India, southern China through Malaya, New Guinea down to Australia and New Zealand. The flower shape gives members of this genus the common name 'Helmet Orchids'.

Derivation of genus name:According to David L. Jones in 'Native Orchids of Australia' the genus name Corybas has no apparent relationship with these orchids, and refers to a Corybant or dancing priest of the goddess Cybele in Phrygia. It was applied to these little terrestrials by Richard Salisbury in 1807 'in rather deceitful circumstances'. Robert Brown had coined the name Corysanthes for the genus from the Greek korys (helmet) and anthos (flower). Brown's Corysanthes was published in 1810, and because of botanical laws governing prior to publication Salisbury's inappropriate name must be used.

Type species: Corybas aconitiflorus Salisb.

Characteristics of the genus: The small to extremely small terrestrials are rare in cultivation although they are very attractive even when not in bloom. They bear a solitary, heart-shaped to roundish leaf. The single, proportionately large flower arises from the base of this leaf.

Number of sections and/or subsections in genus:

Number of species in New Guinea: In New Guinea fifty one species are found

Species drawing shown here: Corybas mankiensis van Royen
drawn by N.H.S. Howcroft

Species drawing shown here: Corybas adunca
drawn by Neville H.S. Howcroft

Species drawing shown here: Corybas longipedunculatus
drawn by Neville H.S. Howcroft

Habitat: These species inhabit mountain regions between 600 and 4,000 m altitude. They prefer deep shady places where they grow in moss.

Conservation status: not considered under threat in most locations