Fossils in the Eocene. Zygomorphic and perfect. Inflorescence of large flowers in a panicle or raceme. Each flower subtended by a bract. Fruit a capsule with persistent sepals.
Seed s without an aril and endosperm present.
Placentation is axile. Habit is as perennial herbs with a tuberous rhizome. Bases sheathing the petiole and ligules lacking.