genus of orchids, family Orchidaceae, containing about 150 species of primarily terrestrial plants native to Asia and South Africa, with one Central American and West Indian species. Some species lose their leaves during the dry season.

Many species of Calanthe lack pseudobulbs (bulblike stems); those that do occur are large and usually are accompanied by large leaves. Many flowers are borne on each flower spike, which may be erect or slightly arched.