It is native to East and Southeast Asia, New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, and the Americas.

[2][5] Thismia are perennial,[6] achlorophyllous, mycoheterotrophic,[3] tuberous plants with branched or simple stems.

[10] It was published by William Griffith in 1845[2] with Thismia brunonis Griff.

[3][4] As of June 2024[update], Plants of the World Online recognises 108 species in this genus, as follows:[2] Recently described species include: The generic name Thismia refers to Thomas Smith.

[17] The flowers of Thismia hongkongensis are visited by fungus gnats and scuttle flies.