The genus Maxillaria is one the largest of the family Orchidaceae. It has species numbers as high as 800 or more. The genus has a very wide distribution throughout out Central and South America. Occurring at elevations from sea level to over 2500m. Many countries are very rich in Maxillaria species including Costa Rica, Panama, Brazil, Ecuador and in particular Colombia.

They are quite diverse in growth, and the shapes, size and colour and patterns of the booms. They also produce some of the nicest and most interesting perfumes of all orchids.

Many Maxillaria are of fairly stress free culture, and many also make good plants for naturalizing in the garden in many climates from the cool to temperate garden to sub tropical to tropical environments.