Herbs, perennial, low, acaulescent or shortly caulescent, usually forming compact rosettes closely appressed to soil surface. Tap root stout, vertical. Stem base densely clothed in fibrous remnant sheaths. Leaves petiolate; blade oblong, 2–3-pinnatisect; ultimate segments linear. Umbels compound, solitary terminal umbel usually sessile, appearing as a cluster of simple umbels, lateral umbels few, pedunculate, obviously compound; bracts many, foliaceous, 1–2-pinnate; rays 10–15; bracteoles numerous, linear or apex 3-lobed. Calyx teeth prominent, linear-lanceolate or triangular-acuminate, unequal. Petals ovate, entire or emarginate, apex narrowly inflexed. Fruit pale yellow or purplish tinged when mature, flat-globose, dorsally compressed, cordate at both ends; ribs broadly winged, wings corky-spongy, unequal, lateral wings usually broader than dorsal; vittae 1 in each furrow, 2 on commissure. Seed face plane. Carpophore 2-cleft to base.

Three species: Bhutan, China, NE India, Nepal, Sikkim; three species (one endemic) in China.

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