Caudices usually 2, rarely several. Sepals not clawed or nearly so; upper sepal galeate, navicular, or falcate, rarely cylindric. Petaline limb with secretory tissue at apex or abaxially; lip indistinct or distinct, ligulate or linear; spur short or long, rarely absent. Carpels 3--5(--9).

About 340 species: Asia, Europe, North America; 188 species (156 endemic) in China.