The genus Codonorhiza derives its name from the shape of its corms, which resemble a bell, with the name meaning “bell-shaped root.” The species name corymbosa is based on the term “corymb,” referring to a flat-topped flower cluster where the outer flower stalks are longer than the inner ones. The common names “cabong” and “chabi” were used by the Khoisan hunter-gatherers to refer to several species of Lapeirousia.

DNA analysis revealed that the genus Lapeirousia, as previously defined, did not share a single ancestor. As a result, it was divided in 2015 into four separate genera: Lapeirousia and three newly described genera—Codonorhiza, Schizorhiza, and Psilosiphon.

Codonorhiza is endemic to the Western Cape of South Africa and consists of seven species.

Codonorhiza azurea, synonymously known as Lapeirousia azurea and commonly known as Azure Paintpetal, is a South African endemic perennial that is found on sandy and granitic slopes from Piketberg to Agulhas. The flowers, that bloom in spring, are bilaterally symmetrical and deep blue with blackish markings.