Herbs, perennial, acaulescent or shortly caulescent, ascending, rosette but rarely closely appressed to soil surface. Taproot stout, vertical, elongate. Stem base densely clothed in fibrous remnant sheaths. Basal leaves petiolate; blade 2–3-pinnatisect; ultimate segments linear. Umbels compound, solitary terminal umbel usually sessile, appearing as a cluster of simple umbels, lateral umbels few to several, pedunculate, obviously compound; bracts and bracteoles few to several, foliaceous, 1–2-pinnate, ultimate segments linear; rays numerous, very unequal. Calyx teeth conspicuous, linear or lanceolate, unequal. Petals white, purplish to deep purple, obovate, costa yellowish, apex inflexed, acute. Fruit dorsally compressed; dorsal ribs filiform, prominent, narrowly winged, lateral broadly winged, wings more than 2 × width of dorsal wings; vittae 1–2 in each furrow, 2–4 on commissure. Seed face slightly concave. Carpophore 2-cleft to base.

Three or four species: Afghanistan, China, Bhutan, N India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sikkim; one species in China.

(Authors: She Menglan (佘孟兰 Sheh Meng-lan); Mark F. Watson)