Terrestrial orchids with either radical, basal or cauline leaves. Flowers small, 1–150 or more on an erect crowded raceme with prominent floral bracts. The dorsal sepal and the petals overlap to form a hood or galea, which has a prominent, cylindrical basal spur. The labellum is unlobed and generally small and narrow.
Over 160 species from Africa, Madagascar and nearby islands, 1 species naturalised in southern Australia.
