Habit: tree, deciduous

Branchlets: dimorphic (long and short branchlets)

Branches: irregularly whorled, spreading or trooping

Important diagnostics: with keeled lateral leaf surfaces

Leaves: Position: spirally arranged, clustered

Leaves: Shape: needle-like, linear or lanceolate, flattened

Cones: Characteristics: terminal, solitary

Seed Cones: Bract scales: apex reflexed or upcurved or cuspidate

Seeds: Other Characteristics: with unequal wing, apex mucronate

Cotyledons number: 6, 7-10

Germination: epigeal