Leaves distichous, ensiform. Spikes usually simple, pubescent. Perianth yellow, thin, 2 outer segments free, 2 inner ones basally ± adnate to filament. Anther coiled; pollen grains in tetrads. Ovary superior, 1-loculed. Capsule usually loculicidal. Seeds narrowly ovoid; testa spirally striate.

One species: China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Vietnam; N Australia.