Perennial rhizomatous, tufted herbs. Roots fibrous. Leaves radical, linear, isolateral, equitant, perennial; bases sheathing. Inflorescence a terminal spike on a leafless scape, subtended by an awned erect bract; floral bracts glume-like, large, imbricate, dry, concealing flowers, the lowest two empty. Flowers bisexual, actinomorphic, sessile or shortly pedicellate, usually bracteolate. Perianth segments 6, equal, connate at base, withering after flowering, ultimately deciduous. Stamens 3, attached to base of petals, loosely adhering to style; filaments broad; anthers dehiscing by slits, introrse. Ovary superior, 3-locular; ovules 2 per locule, one erect, one pendulous; style slender; stigma 3-lobed-capitate, small. Fruit a loculicidal, obovoid capsule. Seeds kidney-shaped, crustaceous, shiny black; aril prominent.
Home