Rhizome: branched, creeping

Leaf: shape: lanceolate

Petiole: present, absent

Bracts or bracteoles: 1-flowered or 2-flowered, bracteoles not tubular

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

Calyx: tubular, apex 2-lobed or 2-toothed, apex 3-lobed or 3-toothed

Corolla: apex incurved at a right angle

Corolla lobes: 3, central lobe erect,hooded or concave, lateral lobes spreading and partly adnate to labellum

Labellum: apex lobed or cleft or concave or emarginate, equaling corolla lobes

Stamens or staminodes: lateral staminodes forming small teeth at base of labellum, lateral staminode absent or very short

Filament: short or absent

Connective: without appendage

Ovary: 3-loculed

Style: stylodes 2, stylodes >2, stylodes united, stylodes free

Stigma: funnelform

Fruit: cylindric or oblong

Seed: angled, arillate