The OIC is a recognized organ of the American Orchid Society for identifying species orchids or for confirming identities of orchids that win show awards. It provides more than 1,000 determinations annually to institutions and individuals from around the world. The OIC has amassed a collection of more than 20,000 taxonomic reference files, a collection of photographs, and 17,000 spirit preserved specimens. The OIC has particular strengths in collections from Mexico, Central and Andean South America and Venezuela. The publication of identification manuals on the orchids of Costa Rica is currently underway, with funding from the National Science Foundation.
Research leading to a monograph of the genus Maxillaria is also in progress.
Always include samples of flowers plus photos of the plant showing plant habit unless an entire growth can be spared. Descriptions and drawings are helpful, but not as useful as photographic prints or slides. Provide as much information about the origin of the plant as possible, particularly the country where the plant was originally found. If the plant was wild-collected, give country, province or state, specific locality, habitat, and elevation above sea level. Flowers keep best when sealed in plastic bags or other air tight containers without added moisture and enclosed in a protective box.