[2][5] The entire genus is endemic to the fynbos of the Western Cape Province of South Africa.

The male flowers grow in numerous spikelets borne in panicled racemes subtended by caducous spathes.

Each floret is subtended by a linear or setaceous caducous bract.

The perianth usually has six unequal segments clasping the sessile or stipitate ovary, which usually has a hard cap and a single locule.

[7] moved to other genera: Anthochortus Cannomois Ceratocaryum Chrysitrix Hypodiscus Restio