Erect, sometimes rhizomatous, evergreen or summer-green perennial. Corms globose. Leaves distichous, ensiform, in basal fan, and cauline. Inflorescence ± flattened, usually sparingly branched, branches flexuous. Flowers orange to brick-scarlet, each within 2 short, brownish, acute or obtuse, apiculate spathe-valves; tube cylindrical, straight or curved, slightly dilated above; lobes ± equal, spreading, obtuse, or uppermost ± hooded. Stamens ± symmetrical. Style 3-fid; branches entire, ± dilated at tip. Capsule subglobose. Seed usually 1-2 in each locule, numerous aborted ovules present. Spp. 6 of tropical and S. Africa. Adventive spp. 2.