1 | Rhizome monopodial, herbaceous, with a short erect stem at each node. Leaf sheath persisting longer than the leaf blade. Anthers stalked |
1' | Rhizome sympodial, ligneous, with elongate, more or less branched, erect stems, arising from every fourth internode; roots 1-5 on the internode preceding the stem-bearing internode. Leaves with parallel nerves and denticulate apex. Leaf blade shed with its sheath. ‘Flowers’ enclosed by 4 leafy bracts. Anthers subsessile, connate over their whole length, each crowned with one appendage. Style with 2 stigmata. False fruit composed of 1 or 2 fertilised ovaries surrounded by an enlarged fleshy bract |
2 | Leaves flat. Flowers solitary |
2' | Leaves subulate. ‘Flowers’ arranged in a cymose inflorescence. |
3 | Nerves 3. Anthers not attached at the same height on the stalk. Ovary with 1 undivided style |
3' | Nerves 7-17. Anthers attached at the same height on the stalk. Style divided into 2 stigmata |