Rhizome creeping. Stem erect, unbranched. Leaves 4-9 at the tip of the stem. Flowers solitary, tetra- or more-merous. Perianth segments 8-12, in 2 whorls of unequal series. Stamens as many as the perianth segments; anthers linear. Ovary sub-globose. Fruit a fleshy capsule. Seeds numerous.

A genus of c. 20 species extending from Europe to China, Japan and North America. Represented in Pakistan by 1 species.

Lower Taxon

• Paris polyphylla Smith