Herbs rhizomatous. Stem very short. Leaves basal, distichous; petiole well developed, base sheathing; leaf blade lanceolate or oblong, with several pairs of longitudinal veins parallel to a distinct midvein. Inflorescence axillary or arising from rhizomes, cymose or reduced to a solitary flower, bracteate. Flowers bisexual, zygomorphic. Sepals 3, lanceolate. Petals 3, very unequal; middle petal enlarged to form a labellum; lateral petals small, apex often aristate. Stamens 5; filaments short; anthers 2-celled, dehiscing by longitudinal slits. Ovary inferior, 3-loculed, apex elongate; ovules numerous per locule; placentation axile. Style slender; stigmas 3, laciniate. Fruit a capsule, 3-valved, loculicidal. Seeds numerous, arillate; aril 3-lobed.
Home