Herbs or subshrubs. Leaves opposite, entire. Inflorescence in axillary or terminal heads or spikes. Modified sterile flowers 0; all flowers bisexual. Tepals 5, free; outer 2 usually differing from the inner 2. Stamens 5, without alternating pseudostaminodes. Ovary with a single pendulous ovule. Capsule thin-walled, splitting irregularly. Seed ovoid. Worldwide: 18 species in the Old World tropics, especially Africa Zimbabwe: 1 taxon. |
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