Calyx 5-lobed, persistent; corolla 5-lobed, urceolate to campanulate, with 5 imbricate lobes. Stamens 10; anthers 2-celled, not exserted, dehiscing by pores, each cell tipped by 2 erect awns; filaments ± dilated at base. Ovary 5-loculed, style cylindric, stigma simple. Capsule loculicidally dehiscent, often invested by enlarged and succulent calyx; seeds ∞, minute. Widespread genus with c. 120 spp., mostly shrubs. The N.Z. spp. endemic, except , which occurs in Tasmania.

n = 11

n = 11

n = 11

2n = 21–24

n = 11

n = 11

n = 11

n = 11

n = 11

n = 11

2n = 20–22

n = 11

Evergreen, erect or prostrate shrubs, occasionally tree-like. Lvs usually alternate, rarely opposite, usually toothed; petiole short or occasionally 0. Fls in terminal or axillary racemes or panicles, less commonly solitary, (4)-5-merous, pedicellate, with bracts and bracteoles. Calyx lobed, usually deeply so, accrescent. Corolla lobed, urceolate to campanulate. Stamens 10, included; anthers with 2 or 4 awns or obtuse. Disc 10-lobed. Ovary glabrous. Fr. a 5-valved capsule invested by enlarged and fleshy calyx and thus berry-like, rarely calyx persistent but dry (5 N.Z. spp.). Seeds numerous, minute.