Cyrtopodiums are popularly known as the cow-horn orchid because of their cigar-shaped, fleshy pseudobulbs. The name of this genus is derived from the Greek kyrtos, curved swelling and podion, little foot in reference to the shape of the column which curves upward. In flower, Cyrtopodiums can be spectacular with panicles of many yellow to yellow-green flowers, often with maroonish spots and large bracts. The plants are mostly medium to large in size and are terrestrial, lithophytic or epiphytic. Although the flowers can appear dull in color, this is compensated by the large, branched inflorescences and colorful bracts. Most commonly seen in collections are C. andersonii, the type species, and C. punctatum, a Florida native.
