Melanthiaceae are perennial herbs that grow from rhizomes, with either no visible stem or a stem that is leafless (scapose) or leafy (caulescent). Leaves may be basal or grow along the stem, arranged alternately or in whorls, and vary in shape from lance-like to spade-shaped. Flowers are bisexual and actinomorphic, appearing singly or in spikes or branched clusters. The fruit is usually a dry capsule, though sometimes a fleshy berry.