Odontoglossum

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Odontoglossum, first named in 1816 by Karl Sigismund Kunth, is a formerly accepted genus of orchids that is now regarded as a synonym of Oncidium.^[1] Several hundred species have previously been placed in Odontoglossum.^[2] The scientific name of the genus is derived from the Greek words odon (tooth) and glossa (tongue), referring to the two tooth-like calluses on the base of the lip.^[3] Species formerly placed in this genus are cool to cold growing orchids to be found on open spots in the humid cloud forest at higher elevations from Central- and West South America to Guyana, with most species around the northern Andes.^[3] The abbreviation for this genus is Odm. in the horticultural trade.^[4] Many of the species formerly placed in the genus are in great demand with orchid lovers because of their spectacular and flamboyant flowers.^{[citation needed]}