Habit: subshrubby herbs, saprophytic herbs

Stem: without leaf, noded, with scalelike sheath or roots

Inflorescence: type: raceme, panicle

Inflorescence: position: terminal or subterminal, laterally on stem

Inflorescence: other characteristics: rachis pubescent or zigzagged flexuose or winged

Sepal: free or similar, abaxially hairy

Petal: shorter or smaller than sepals

Labellum: with sac or spur or auricles at base, not lobed

Column: without column foot

Stigma: concave

Pollinia: number: 2

Pollinia: other characteristics: granular-farinaceous, without appendage

Fruit:shape: legume-shaped

Fruit: other characteristics: dehiscent

Seed: with thick testa, winged