Perennial herbs. Corms tunicate. Leaves 2-ranked, linear. Stems usually unbranched or occasionally with 1-2 inflorescence bearing branches. Inflorescence a spike, its axis bent sharply at an angle of c. 90( at the level of the lowest flower, the flowers borne on the upper side of the axis, fragrant. Bracts 2. Perianth gamophyllous, infundibuliform, usually curved, segments 6, ( unequal. Stamens 3, arising from below the throat. Ovary trilocular, axile placentation, style filiform, stigmas bifid. Fruit a 3-celled capsule.