From the Greek prosartao – to append, referring to the pendulous ovules.

Perennial, rhizomatous herbs with few-branched aerial stems. Leaves several to many, cauline, lanceshaped to ovate, not sheathing. Flowers radially symmetrical, bowl- or bell-shaped, nodding. Inflorescence a 1 to few flowered terminal umbel.Tepals 3+3, free. Stamens 6, free; anthers outward facing. Ovary superior, ovoid. Fruit a red or yellow berry. Seeds few, brown. Syn. Disporum in part.

Prefers moist shade.

5 species, 4 from N America and 1 from China and Korea.

Rhizomes; branched stems with cauline leaves; terminal umbels of nodding flowers.

Botschantzeva (1982), Shinwari et al. (1994).

Source: Conran, J. (2005). Liliaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.