A variable genus that includes leafy and leafless terrestrial species as well as epiphytes with an unusual climbing habit. Leafless species have an erect, subterranean rootstock with spreading, thick, fleshy, brittle roots; a crown of persistent fleshy bracts (reduced leaves) at soil level; and wiry or fleshy, pigmented flower stems with flowers in a terminal raceme. They survive as hemiparasites living in a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi and a host plant growing in close proximity to the orchid. Leafy species have a monopodial growth habit, either with erect stems arising from a basal cluster of roots, or with climbing stems that ascend the host in a spiral manner attached by short aerial roots. Flowers opening widely, large, colourful, with fleshy sepals and petals of similar shape and size. Labellum firmly attached to anterior base of column. Labellum lamina 3-lobed; lateral lobes small, free distally; midlobe large, projecting like a landing platform, with a central line of crowded colourful hairs. Callus of a pair of low ridges, distally pubescent. Column slender. Capsules pendent.
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