| Underground parts |
roots 1.2–2.0 mm in diam.; tubers numerous |
roots 1.0–3.0 mm in diam.; tuberised zones present, but true tubers rare |
| Leaves |
leaf margin straight, even at the base; frequently with a pseudo-petiole |
leaf margin undulate at the base, lacking a pseudo-petiole (except C. meridionale subsp. tulearense subsp. nov.) |
| Inflorescences |
bract solitary, 1–3 cm long, situated at the point of branching |
bracts 1–3, 1–11(–15 cm) long, the highest at the point of branching, the others, when present, below |
| Flowers |
tepals with 3(–5) veins, well-spaced or occasionally closely-spaced; stamens equal |
tepals always with 3 closely-spaced central veins, sometimes with 2 additional lateral veins; stamens unequal |
| Fruits |
as long as wide |
longer than wide |