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Pseudostems absent. Inflorescences from rhizome branch without basal leaves [projecting among basal leaves], dense, cylindric; bracts of main axis crowded, [2--]4--9 cm, ovate to narrowly ovate or rectangular; cincinni sessile, 2--7-flowered, enclosed in bracts; bracteoles small, inconspicuous, hidden by bracts. Flowers: calyx short-cylindric, minutely 2--3-toothed, split down one side; corolla tube funnelform, lobes ovate or oblong; filament rectangular, plane; anther enclosed in corolla, base spurred, terminal appendage sometimes present, lingulate; lateral staminodes large, petal-like, lip concave, rounded or 2-fid. Fruits capsule, ellipsoid. x = 11, 21.
Rhizome often tuber-bearing. Leaf shoots tufted. Inflorescence terminal on leafy shoot or separate, sometimes precocious; bracts adnate for about half their length, forming pouches each subtending a 2-7-flowered cincinnus, the free ends usually spreading; uppermost bracts often larger and differently coloured, sterile (coma); bracteoles open to base. Corolla tube ±funnel-shaped; lobes ±equal. Labellum thickened centrally, the lateral lobes thinner, overlapping lateral staminodes. Lateral staminodes petaloid. Anther versatile; connective occasionally crested. Ovary trilocular. Fruit a thin-walled capsule.
