Tufted rhizomatous herbs; leafy stems short, usually hidden. Indumentum of slender scales present on inflorescence branches and young leaves, sometimes lost from older leaves. Leaves 3-ranked, linear to lanceolate, keeled; sheath closed at base. Inflorescence a terminal panicle or raceme, sometimes much reduced; branches subtended by foliaceous or membranous spathes; bracts membranous. Flowers bisexual, actinomorphic, pedicellate. Perianth segments 6, basally connate. Stamens 6, dehiscing by longitudinal slits, introrse. Ovary superior or basally adnate to perianth tube, 3-locular; placentas axile; style 3-branched or styles 3; stigmas 3. Fruit a capsule opening in 3 apical valves. Seeds several, with a black, glossy, hard testa.
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