Illustration of Polypleurum chinense A ribbon-like root with tufts of leaves B flower bud covered by spathella above bracts C floriferous shoots along the flanks of the root between the root branches D flower at anthesis on peduncle with ruptured spathella E flower with spathella removed, stamen and ovary, a tepal on side of stamen F stamen G ovules on ovary septum H stalked fruit, showing ribs I seeds.