Traunsteinera species are terrestrial, perennial plants (geophytes), which overwinter with two ovate root nodules.

The perianth petals are oval in shape, with a long spatulate spire, forming a helmet.

The species[clarification needed] is rare and occurs locally in the medium and high mountain ranges from the temperate regions of Europe to the Caucasus.

In medium and high mountain ranges from 1000-3000 m. Traunsteinera is named after the Austrian pharmacist and botanist Joseph Traunsteiner (1798–1850).

The scientific name was published in 1842 by Heinrich Gottlieb Ludwig Reichenbach.