Growth sympodial, without terminal buds. Buds pilose, not resinous. Petiole subterete; leaf blade variously shaped, grayish blue on both surfaces, abaxially with stomata. Bracts white with purplish apex, spatulate, membranous. Male flower: disc membranous, lobed or parted, with sharp teeth, caducous; stamens 15--35; anthers long, apex apiculate. Female flower: ovary long ovoid; stigma large, 3- or 4-lobed. Capsule elongate, (2- or)3-valved, stipitate.