[clarification needed] About 20 species of these lady's slipper orchids are known from SW Mexico, Central and tropical South America.

Phragmipedium caudatum is considered a complex, i.e. it could contain several species or subspecies, based on differences in flower size and color.

This orchid with a short stem is semi-terrestrial, semi-lithophytic to epiphytic, depending on the substrate .

Phragmipedium lindleyanum, named after John Lindley, forms a rosette of five long linear leaves with a yellow margin, reaching a length of 50 cm.

The flowers open in succession, giving the orchid a long blooming period.

Reichenbach f. and J. v. Warscewicz, has long lanceolate leaves without yellow margin, growing to a length of 60 cm.

Allied genera include Paphiopedilum, Selenipedium, Cypripedium and the monotypic Mexipedium.