Cymbidium Olof Swartz
in Nov. Act. Soc. Sci. Upsal. 6(1799), 70

Introduction:These epiphytic or rarely terrestrial plants are endemic to India and S.E. Asia, Japan, New Guinea and Australia. Some 60 species are known. Several species of Cymbidium have been extensively used in hybridizing and these hybrids nowadays account for a substantial production of cut flowers, mainly in the USA, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia as well as in the Netherlands.

Derivation of genus name: In allusion to the shape of the lip the genus name was coined from the Greek kymbes (boat-shaped) and first described by Olof Swartz in 1799.

Type species: Cymbidium aloifolium (L) Sw.

Characteristics of the genus: The plants have long, narrow, leathery leaves, the inflorescence can be erect, suberect or pendant and from 2- to many flowered. The flowers are often large and showy.

Number of species in New Guinea: Three species: C. ensifolium, C. papuanum and C. acuminatum

View species photo: Cymbidium acuminatum,

Conservation status: not known