Although many sources call this Macroclinium xyphophorus, Kew's POWO accepts this as M. xiphophorus. This plant exhibits some spotting on the rugose leaves, whereas its close relative, M. wullschlaegelianum leaves are not spotted; the flowers and plant form are an excellent match to photos in the IOSPE, OW and orchidroots.com; Notylia xiphophorus is considered synomynous with M. xiphophorus. The "Native Colombian Orchids, Vol. 6, pg 872 contains comparison photos of M. xiphophorus and M. wullschlaegelianum.