These epiphytic plants are widely distributed from India, China through to New Guinea, Australia and the Pacific islands. The genus was previously known as Desmotrichum Blume and two wide-spread species now included in the genus Flickingeria were before included in the genus Ephemerantha . The pseudobulbs of the species in the genus branch freely. The intricate flowers last only one day. They are creamy white-yellowish with a 'bearded' lip.
Plants can flower profusely and several times a year.
Quite common in New Guinea is F. comata , found in the tropical lowlands.