Herbs perennial, shortly rhizomatous, often stoloniferous. Roots sometimes with fleshy, tuberous part near tip. Leaves basal, tufted, sessile, grasslike or narrowly linear. Scape simple, naked, terminating in a reduced panicle. Flowers bisexual, often in clusters of 2--4, sometimes solitary, small, subtended by a bract and a few bracteoles; pedicel articulate. Tepals 6, free. Stamens 6, inserted at base of tepals; filaments narrowly linear; anthers basifixed. Ovary superior, 3-loculed; ovules 2 per locule. Style columnar, slightly 3-angled; stigma small. Fruit bursting irregularly at an early stage and exposing young seeds. Seeds deep blue to purple at maturity, berrylike, globose or ellipsoid.

About eight species, E Asia, extending to Japan, the Philippines, and Vietnam; six species (three endemic) in China.

(Authors: Chen Xinqi (陈心启 Chen Sing-chi); Minoru N. Tamura)