Introduction: More than three hundred species are known in this genus of epiphytic herbs. They are distributed in the old world tropics. The genus is part of the Malaxis tribe together with the genera Liparis and Hippeophyllum.
Derivation of genus name: According to David Jones in his book 'Native Orchids of Australia the genus name was created by John Lindley in 1830 after Oberon, King of the Fairies. Lindley saw a fanciful resemblance to Oberon in the unusual growth habits and tiny flowers of these orchids.
Type species: Oberonia iridifolia Lindley.
Characteristics of genus: Quite easily recognized by their flattened, very stout or medium sized leaves overlapping at the base. The terminal inflorescence carries huge numbers of tiny to very small flowers often arranged in whorls. The flower colours range from white to red and also occur in varous shades of green.
Habitat: The species in this genus are found from sea level up to 1,500 m a.s.l. in deep shaded positions.
Conservation status: not threatened
Species line drawing: Oberonia drepanophylla Schlechter
drawn by N.H.S. Howcroft
Key to Illustration:A: plant habit; B: portion of inflorescence; C: flowers
View photos: Oberonia species
Oberonia Lindley