[1] Orchids in the genus Corybas are perennial, deciduous, sympodial, usually terrestrial herbs, lacking roots.

As is usual in orchids, one petal is highly modified as the central labellum and in this genus is often the most obvious part of the flower.

[2][3][4][5][6][7]Corybas aconitiflorus was first formally described by Richard Salisbury, allegedly from a colour plate prepared by Ferdinand Bauer[2] and thus became the type species for the genus.

[8][9] Salisbury stated that the name of the genus was derived from similarity of the flowers to the covered head of the Greek Κορύβας (Korybas),[10] a male dancer, shown in illustrations wearing a crested helmet, who worshipped the goddess Cybele.

Australian species usually grow in moist, shady places, often with dense moss or on rotting logs, sometimes with orchids from other genera.

As of July 2020[update], the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families accepts the following species and natural hybrids:[16]