Herbs, terrestrial (rarely on rocks or epiphytic), erect. Stems modified into pseudobulbs, often densely congested, concealed by overlapping fibrous sheaths, 1[-3]-leaved. Leaves persistent; blade not imbricate or plicate, usually leathery, often patterned. Inflorescences lateral, arising from base of pseudobulb, racemes or panicles, erect. Flowers resupinate, inconspicuous; sepals and petals distinct and free, spreading; lip deeply 3-lobed, base spurred; column erect, curved, produced into conspicuous foot, oblique at base; anther terminal, operculate; pollinia 2, with short or aborted caudicles attached directly to viscidium. Fruits capsules.