[1] Flora of North America[3] lists one species in Florida (P. gelida) but this has now been transferred to a different genus, Stelis.

As a group they show a huge range in vegetative form, terrestrial or epiphytic, and can be found as tall cane-like plants a meter or so high, clumped or trailing, pendent or climbing, erect or creeping, tufted and tiny, delicate moss-like species that can grow on the thinnest of twigs.

A new analysis, based on DNA testing, confirmed on the whole the classification of the subtribe Pleurothallidinae, with however Pleurothallis as the main difference.

New genetic insight broke up this huge genus and made it more consistent with the principles of monophyletic genera and evolutionary relationships.

In 2004 the genera Acianthera, Ancipitia, Antilla, Apoda-prorepentia, Areldia, Atopoglossum, Brenesia, Crocodeilanthe were created, incorporating a large number of former Pleurothallis species.