Arthropodium R.Br.

Stemless herbs. Rhizome very short. Roots fibrous or somewhat fleshy, often producing well-defined, distant tubers. Leaves basal, linear to lanceolate, gradually expanding towards the base to form (apparently dry and membranous) open sheaths, sometimes ciliate or with bristles along the margins; veins of the sheaths sometimes persisting on an outer zone of fibres. Inflorescence a raceme or panicle. Pedicels 1-3(-5)-nate, in the axils of bracts and usually associated with a few smaller bracts also apparently in the axil of the principal bract, articulated usually in the distal half, rather long and filiform. Perianth segments usually free, the inner whorl broader, with 3 or less often 5 veins, spreading. Filaments linear-filiform, usually attached to the base of the perianth segments; anthers basifixed, oblong to linear, often strongly arcuate, dehiscing laterally or introrsely; papillose or pubescent appendages always present, usually adnate to the filaments and often also to the anthers. Ovary superior, sessile, subglobose to ellipsoid, 3-celled; ovules axile, 2-10 in each locule; style filiform, simple, minutely capitate. Capsule dehiscing loculicidally; perianth segments adhering, marcescent, not twisting after flowering. Seeds angular.

Usually in open grassland or open woodland, often at rather low altitudes (below 250 m).Species have been described as having chocolate or vanilla scents.