Inflorescence of small two-flowered cymes borne in panicles or spikes. Fruit a berry or capsule. Seeds with an aril and endosperm present. Placentation is basal. Habit is as a perennial form a tuberous rhizome.
Leaves are simple, entire, two-ranked and alternate.
Petiole sheathing the base somethimes has wings. Swollen pulvinus at base.