Herbs rhizomatous, not stoloniferous; caudex scaly, not cormlike, with persistent leaf bases. Flowering stems ascending or erect, leafy, (8-)15-35(-48) cm, glabrous proximally, puberulent and stipitate-glandular distally. Leaves in basal rosette and cauline; basal leaves marcescent; cauline leaves 1-4, clasping, smaller distally; stipules inconspicuous, adnate to petiole; petiole absent in cauline leaves, present in basal, glabrous; blade obovate to elliptic, unlobed, base tapered, ultimate margins crenate-serrate, sometimes entire in cauline leaves, apex obtuse or rounded, surfaces glabrous or sparsely glandular abaxially; venation pinnate. Inflorescences compound cymes, terminal from terminal bud of rosette, (18-)26-100-flowered, bracteate. Flowers: hypanthium adnate to proximal 1/4-1/2 of ovary, free portion absent, green proximally, usually purplish distally; sepals 5, greenish; petals 5, white; nectary disc absent; stamens 10; (anthers dehiscent by broad, terminal openings); filaments linear; ovary 1/4-1/2 inferior, 2-locular, carpels connate proximally; placentation axile; styles 2; stigmas 2. Capsules folliclelike, 2-beaked. Seeds yellowish brown or tan, shiny, fusiform, ribbed (at least over embryo). x = 7.
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