Tree-like herb, the trunk formed of persistent leaf sheaths. Leaves very large, oblong. Inflorescence an erect or drooping spike. Flowers usually unisexual, irregular, the proximal female, distal male. Bracts sometimes brightly coloured, ovate to orbicular. Outer perianth 3-5-toothed, slit to the base on one side. Inner segment about as long as the outer. Stamens 5, perfect; anthers 2-celled, linear. Ovary inferior, 3-locular; placentation axile, ovules numerous. Stigma 3-lobed. Fruit fleshy, a berry, occasionally dehiscent.