Stems erect, unbranched, usually sheathed at base by remains of old leaves. Leaves basal and cauline; cauline well separated, bases sheathing, dilated, ligules prominent, membranous; blade erect. Flowers: tepals persistent, distinct; ovaries broadly ellipsoid, 1-loculed, inflated at maturity; ovules (1--)2(--3) per pistil; stigmas abaxial, nearly apical. Follicles mostly 1--4 per aggregate, spreading.

Characters of the family. Monotypic.

Gleason, Henry A. & Cronquist, Arthur J. 1991. Manual of vascular plants of northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. lxxv + 910 pp.

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