Glossostelma

Slender or robust, erect perennial herbs with a short, often stout vertical rhizome with fusiform lateral roots; stem usually solitary, simple, often with a line of pubescence running along stem. Leaves usually petiolate, linear to ovate or spathulate. Inflorescences umbelliform, with or without peduncle, arising terminally and axillary at upper 1-4(-6) nodes. Corolla campanulate, lobed almost to base, medium to large. Corona 5-lobed, often fleshy, united very shortly at base and attached to staminal column near base of anthers; staminal column usually with a conspicuous stalk below attachment of corona lobes. Style head 5-angled, generally +/-level with top of anthers and largely obscured by anther appendages; corpuscle ovoid, brown or black; caudicles flattened, held +/-at right angles to axis of corpuscle; pollinia pendulous, flattened. Follicles erect, lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate in outline, apex attenuate; fruiting pedicel not contorted; usually only 1 follicle developing. Seeds flattened with one face convex, ovate to +/-circular in outline with a narrow convoluted rim surrounding a verrucose disc.