Rhizome: creeping

Leaf: shape: lanceolate

Petiole: present

Bracts or bracteoles: 1-flowered or 2-flowered, bracteoles tubular

Inflorescence: conical,arising from rhizomes on peduncle clothed with scalelike sheaths, spike

Calyx: tubular, apex 3-lobed or 3-toothed, split on 1 side

Corolla: longer than calyx

Corolla lobes: 3, shorter than corolla tube

Labellum: obovate or tongue-shaped, apex lobed or cleft or concave or emarginate, larger or longer than corolla lobes, base adnate to filament forming a tube

Stamens or staminodes: lateral staminode absent or very short, stamen shorter than labellum

Connective: without appendage

Ovary: 3-loculed, ovules many per locule

Fruit: indehiscent, longitudinally ridged or with obtuse warts in rows