Dietes

Perennials, evergreen and rhizomatous, leaves and flowers annual. Leaves mostly basal, several, equitant, linear to ensiform. Inflorescence with scape erect, branching irregularly in the upper half, forming a many-branched panicle. Primary bracts herbaceous, sheathing the flower clusters. Perianth parts free, distal portion spreading, outer tepals larger than inner, usually with conspicuous markings; stamens usually free (rarely fused basally), anthers basifixed, linear, appressed to style branches; ovary cylindric, included within or exserted beyond primary bracts; style branches 3, broad, flattened, petaloid, arched over outer perianth, stigmas transverse, exceeded by prominent bifid crests. Capsule cylindric to clavate, 3-chambered, exserted beyond primary bracts; seeds numerous, large, flattened.