In 2007, Hermans and Cribb[1] realized that two distinct species were distributed as C. uncinata, which is a synonym of C. calanthoides,[2] and described a new species C. guttata.

Subsequent researchers looked at the type specimen folder, and they mistakenly thought that the name C. angustipetala referred to the green sepal species, which is actually C. speciosa.

Cynorkis angustipetala is also endemic to Madagascar, and its habitat is terrestrial in rocky outcrops and grassland.

[1] It is fairly common in the highlands of Madagascar and has sporadic distribution in the east and west of the island.

Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) lists three additional records,[5] which include western populations.