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 falcata is a South African endemic species from the Western Cape Province. It was previously known as Gladiolus falcatus, Lapeirousia falcata, Lapeirousia pappei, Meristostigma falcatum, Ovieda falcata and Peyrousia falcata. It occurs on sandstone and in crevices in rock outcrops or in seeps at mid to high elevations in the Southwestern Cape. Flowering is mainly during spring at lower elevations and summer at high elevations. Flowering is stimulated by fire. Plants are short and compact to 10 cm.