Rhizomes on or just below ground, producing closely grouped pseudostems. Ligule usually deeply 2-lobed; leaf blade lanceolate or linear. Inflorescences breaking through leaf sheaths, ovoid, oblong, or conical; bracts densely arranged, margin entire or fimbriate; bracteoles tubular, at least distal ones becoming slimy and decaying early. Calyx tubular or funnelform, split on 1 side, apex 3-toothed. Corolla fleshy; tube shorter than or equaling calyx; lobes oblong or ovate, central one erect, hooded. Lateral staminodes toothlike or subulate. Labellum oblong, flat, apex 2-lobed or entire. Filament thickened, short; anther oblong, apex emarginate; connective appendage absent. Ovary small. Stylodes short. Capsule ovoid or ellipsoid; pericarp dry, brittle. Seeds 3 or 4 per valve, angled.

About 18 species: SE Asia; one species (endemic) in China.