The genera Diastema, Phinaea and Amalophyllon are closely related, and comprised of mostly soft low-growing herbs. All have scaly rhizomes at their roots, are usually found in deeply shaded and damp locations, and are restricted to Central America. The boundaries of the two latter genera, Phinaea and Amalophyllon, are still confused, and some botanists consider the two to be best lumped together in Phinaea. The genus Niphaea is also related to this group (and the name is an anagram of Phinaea).
Most of these species have significant ornamental potential, and are in cultivation. Several intergeneric hybrids have been made.
