Herbs, annual, without chlorophyll, mycotrophic, rhizomatous. Stems simple or branched. Leaves cauline, bractlike, small. Inflorescences terminal, racemes or flower solitary. Perianth tube actinomorphic, salverform, lateral wings absent, without annulus at mouth; tepals 6, apically distinct; outer tepals larger than inner, slightly 3-lobed; inner tepals very small. Stamens 3, sessile on perianth tube; connectives generally not appendaged. Ovary ovoid to globose, 1-loculed, with 3 parietal placentae; placentae each with a large globose gland at both sides of apex; stigmas 3, often appendiculate. Fruit capsular, perianth caducous but perianth base persistent; dehiscence generally irregular or by longitudinal slits.

About 26 species: Africa, tropical America, Asia, New Guinea; one species in China.