Embryological development places the family among the amaryllids while the composition of the ovary puts it near the distinct Hypoxidaceae.

However, a study regarding the pollen structure in two genera from Velloziaceae was found to be an important character and suggests some correlation but this is still a variable trait.

[4] Acanthochlamys Talbotia Xerophyta Barbacenia Barbaceniopsis Vellozia Nanuza Members of Velloziaceae are distributed both in the Old and the New world.

[5] These plants exhibit various adaptations against desiccation as for example less-densely distributed stomata, decreased surface area by the use of developed furrows (as in many cacti) and expansive leaf sheets that cover the stem or the aerial roots until they grow long enough to reach the ground level.

In some members these sheaths are able to create a microclimate that sustains the roots by keeping a constant level of moisture.

They[6] are hypanthium-forming, sometimes papillate at their base or smooth, mostly white, creme or colored in different shades of purple although species with yellow, orange or red flowers also exist.

Examination with scanning electron microscope uncovers that one of the distinctive characteristics of the family is the structure[7] of the pollen.

Pollinators of Vellozia include the common honeybee (Apis mellifera) and different species of solitary bees as Megachile curvipes, Psaenythia sp.

Fruits and seeds[5] of these plants appear in large variety of shapes and sizes which demonstrate adaptations enhancing dispersal.