Holochila is characterized by racemose inflorescences and an undivided lip, and the section E. sect.

Schistochila is characterized by racemose inflorescences and a lobed lip.

Polycladia "possess a long leafy stem with distichous leaves, an absence of any tendency to form pseudobulbs, a peduncle suddenly covered with close sheaths, and a lip wholly united to the column.

Polycladia by publishing E. porphyreum under the title "AMPHIGLOTTIUM; floribus paniculatis.

The following species are recognized by Kew (page numbers refer to Reichenbach 1861):