FZ.54. Oeceoclades Lindl.

Terrestrial herbs, rarely epiphytic. Pseudobulbs set close together, ovoid to fusiform, 1–3-leaved at the apex. Leaves coriaceous, often variegated, usually petiolate with the petiole articulated above the base. Inflorescence arising from base of the pseudobulb, simple or branched, several- to many-flowered. Flowers resupinate, relatively small, thin-textured. Sepals and petals free, variously spreading, ± similar, the petals usually shorter and broader than the sepals. Lip spurred, 3-lobed, the mid-lobe usually 2-lobed or emarginate so that the lip appears 4-lobed.Column erect, rather short, oblique at the base; pollinia 2, ovoid or pyriform.

Worldwide: 30 species in tropical, subtropical Africa, Madagascar and the Mascarene Islands.

Zimbabwe: 5 taxa.