Fossils in the Eocene. Zygomorphic and perfect. 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.