Herbs with tall woody stem, ringed with leaf scars. Leaves large, 45-60 x 10-13 cm, ovate or ovate-lanceolate, acute, somewhat coriaceous, smooth, flexible; distinctly costate, veins frequently unequal strongly oblique, petiole deeply channelled. Inflorescence paniculate, up to 30 cm or more long; flowers sessile, lilac-white, perianth segments 6, united at the base. Stamens 6, sub-exserted; anthers 3 mm long. Ovary 3-celled with many ovules in each loculus. Style exserted.