Endocarpic trichomes have been analyzed in fruits of 267 species from 80 genera of the orchid tribe Vandeae, using light and scanning electron microscopy. They have been observed for the first time in 56 genera and confirmed in the rest. The present study describes their microstructure in Vandeae and suggests a standardization for its terminology. Endocarpic trichomes are unicellular, thin, tightly cylindrical, hollow, with an obtuse apex and an expanded foot. The outer surface shows a helicoidal micro-ornamentation, usually covered by waxes. Perforations of the walls have been mainly observed at the outer surface in the foot, and the basal and apical regions. The inner wall is formed by helicoidal thickenings which are responsible for the movement of the endocarpic trichomes. These are present in all the species studied of Vandeae, irrespectively of the life form