The leaves are broad ovate or triangular and are sharply focused at the top.

The leaf cells are prosenchymatous and are many times longer than wide and interlocking with pointed ends.

The sporophyte consists of a regularly formed spore capsule that stands straight on the setae.

The spores are distributed through an annular peristome, which is closed off by a beak-shaped operculum in immature plants.

The family is divided into four subfamilies, which are distinguished on the basis of molecular research.