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 micrantha is a South African endemic species from the Western Cape Province. It was previously known as Lapeirousia micrantha, Lapeirousia manuleaeflora, Meristostigma manuleaeflora and Ovieda micrantha. It grows to 35cm tall with a solitary leaf that has smooth or crisped margins. From spring to summer it bears greenish yellow to brown & maroon flowers.