What is "govenia"

Govenia Lindl. 1832, is a genus of plants belonging to the family Orchidaceae. The type species, Govenia superba, was transferred from Maxillaria superba and a genus name was given to commemorate J.R. Gowen, secretary of the Horticultural Society of London and confidential secretary to the Earls of Carnarvon.

The species in this genus are terrestrial or sometimes epiphytic and native to Mexico, Central and South America, the West Indies and Florida. This genus has cormous, egg-shaped pseudobulbs and thin, plicate leaves that are always paired. According to the Royal Horticultural Society, Gov. is the official abbreviation for this genus.