Corycium

Corycium is a genus of flowering plants in the orchid family (Orchidaceae). It is native to southern Africa, specifically South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini (Swaziland). These terrestrial orchids are characterized by their distinctive hooded or helmet-shaped flowers, from which the genus name is derived, as "corys" is Greek for helmet.

Corycium species typically grow in fynbos, grassland, and other open habitats. The plants are often relatively small, and the flowers can range in color from green and yellow to brown and purple, often with intricate patterns and markings.

Pollination in Corycium is complex and often specialized, with certain species reliant on specific pollinators, usually insects.

Taxonomically, the genus Corycium has undergone revisions, and some species have been moved to other genera. Further research continues to refine our understanding of the relationships within the genus and within the broader Orchidaceae family.