Codonorchis is a small genus of terrestrial orchids belonging to the family Orchidaceae, in the order Asparagales. Within Orchidaceae, GBIF's classification places the genus in the subtribe Codonorchideae. The genus was formally described by the English botanist John Lindley, who published it in his work Genera and Species of Orchidaceous Plants (page 410, 1840).
The genus comprises two known species, distinguished largely by their geographic ranges in southern South America. Codonorchis lessonii is found in Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands, making it the more widely distributed of the two. Codonorchis canisioi is known only from the State of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, giving it a much more restricted, localized range.
GBIF's taxonomic database lists four descendant names under the genus (encompassing accepted species and associated synonyms), reflecting a modest, well-circumscribed group rather than a large, diverse genus.
Distribution
The genus contains two species with distinct ranges: Codonorchis lessonii occurs across Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands, while Codonorchis canisioi is restricted to the State of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil.
Taxonomy Notes
Codonorchis was described by John Lindley in Genera and Species of Orchidaceous Plants (1840). GBIF's classification places it in the subtribe Codonorchideae within Orchidaceae, order Asparagales, with four descendant taxa recorded.
