Annuals or perennials with short rhizomes, roots fleshy or cylindrical. Leaves basal, linear, expanded at base into a membranous sheath. Inflorescence a raceme or panicle. Pedicel articulated. Tepals single veined, free or united only at the base, white or pale pink. Stamens free, shorter than tepals, filaments expanded at the base, anthers dorsifixed. Fruit a loculicidal capsule, seeds 1-2 per locule, triquetrous.