Perennial, robust, aquatic or wetland herbs; rhizomes woody and with a fibrous covering; roots with terminal storage tubers. Leaves ± linear and flattened; basal sheath usually tapered, not ligulate. Inflorescence a spike. Flowers bisexual. Perianth of 3 + 3, both whorls similar. Stamens 6. Carpels 3–6, free (to fused), without sterile carpels; central axis (carpophore) absent; ovule basal and erect, anatropous; style short and thick; stigma papillose or hairy. Fruiting carpels indehiscent, erect or twisted, often ridged, usually readily separating and falling at maturity, lacking hooked appendages.
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