These may be fragrant or odourless, are white, pink, purple, yellow or green, often with spots or blotches.

[3][4][5][6] The genus was formally described in 1810 by Scottish botanist Robert Brown in Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae et Insulae Van Diemen.

[1][7] The name Dipodium is derived the Greek words di (two) and podia (little feet), a reference to the two stipes supporting the pollinia.

[8] Hyacinth orchids are found in Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, New Guinea and Australia where eleven species are endemic.

[10] An infusion of the leaves of Dipodium pandanum is traditionally drunk in Bougainville to help relieve respiratory infections.