There are about 300 to 400 species in this subtribe and are found in tropical Africa and Madagascar. There are also about 300 to 400 species in this subtribe and are also found in tropical regions of Africa and Madagascar. There are about 1,000 species in 70 to 80 genera in this tribe most of which are limited to tropical America. They grow either as terrestrials or epiphytes and there are also a few saprophytes in this tribe. Species in this tribe generally have pseudobulbs, but a few have reedlike stems or thick underground stems.
Blooms have four pollinia.
There are about 150 species in this subtribe. Most exhibited hybrids are in this subtribe. The leaves of species in this subtribe are also thin and pleated. The leaves of this subtribe are conduplicate and leathery. There are about 1,800 species in 100 to 130 genera in this tribe.