With a center of diversity in East Asia, Goodyera is found across Europe, Madeira, North and Central America, Australia, and on islands from the west Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.

They are similar to orchids in the genus Spiranthes but can be distinguished from them by the shape and colour patterns of the leaves.

[2][3] The genus Goodyera was first formally described in 1813 by Robert Brown and the description was published in William Aiton's Hortus Kewensis.

[4][5] Generic delimitation of Goodyera remains problematic, with some authors providing evidence to support a narrower circumscription of the genus.

[8] With a center of diversity in East Asia, Goodyera is found across Europe, Madeira, North and Central America, Australia, and on islands from the west Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.