genus embracing some 150 species of orchids, family Orchidaceae, that are primarily native to mountainous areas of tropical America. Many orchids of other genera have been crossed with species of Odontoglossum to obtain beautiful hybrid flowers. Thousands of hybrids also have been obtained by crossing species within the genus.

Each large pseudobulb (swollen stem) of an Odontoglossum bears one or more leaves. The flowers are borne on a spike that arises from the base of the pseudobulbs and vary greatly in colour and marking.