Dr. John Lindley established this genus of sympodial orchids in 1830. The generic epithet honours Oberon - King of the Fairies, lives in hiding; in reference to the insignificant flowers. Type species for this genus is Oberonia iridifolia. The plants are generally quite attractive with their iris-like growth habit. The flowers in the majority of the species are minute and can only be appreciated through a high-powered magnifying glass. Any species in cultivation from this genus would only be found in specialist collections.