Tendril climber. Leaves large, alternate, entire or undulate. Inflorescence raceme ending in branched tendrils. Flowers showy, bisexual. Perianth segments 5, petaloid, outer segments cordate or ovate, inner ones ovate-oblong. Stamens 8. Carpels 3; ovary 3-angled; styles 3. Fruit a 3-angled nut, enclosed in the accrescent, papery perianth segments.