Cuitlauzina is a genus of orchids (family Orchidaceae, order Asparagales) placed in subtribe Oncidiinae. It was published in 1825 by Pablo de La Llave and Juan Mariano de Lexarza, with Cuitlauzina pendula as the type species. GBIF and Wikipedia agree the genus comprises 8 accepted species: C. candida, C. cariasii, C. convallarioides, C. dubia, C. egertonii, C. pendula, C. pulchella, and C. pygmaea.
The genus is native to Mexico, Central America, and Colombia, with one species (C. pandurata) extending into Ecuador. Species occur as epiphytes in montane habitats, with recorded elevations spanning roughly 1,200 to 2,700 m across the genus — consistent with cloud-forest and pine-oak forest zones typical of the region's highlands.
Taxonomically, Cuitlauzina has absorbed several genera once treated separately: Dignathe Lindl., Lichterveldia Lem., Palumbina Rchb.f., and Osmoglossum Schltr. are all now treated as synonyms. Two of its species are represented in this database: C. pendula, the type species, found in Mexico at 1,400–2,200 m, notable for its pendulous inflorescences of fragrant white-and-pink flowers; and C. pulchella, distributed from Mexico (Chiapas) through Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras at 1,200–2,600 m.
Distribution
Native to Mexico, Central America, and Colombia, with one species reaching Ecuador. Species grow as epiphytes in montane forest, generally between about 1,200 and 2,700 m elevation.
Taxonomy Notes
Published by La Llave & Lexarza in 1825 (Nov. Veg. Descr. 2, Orchid. Opusc.: 32), with Cuitlauzina pendula as the type species. Several previously separate genera — Dignathe, Lichterveldia, Palumbina, and Osmoglossum — are now treated as synonyms of Cuitlauzina. The genus sits in subtribe Oncidiinae within Orchidaceae.
