Trees. Inflorescence comprising
an untidy tuft or stellate cluster of 1-many
pseudospikelets, sessile at a node, the primary
subtending scale usually glume-like, sometimes spathaceous.
Spikelets 2-many-flowered; glumes 1-3; lemmas subequal.
Stamens 6. Stigmas usually 3.
Worldwide: 120 species in tropical and warm regions of America and Asia