Herbs or subshrubs, sometimes arborescent, usually perennial, occasionally monocarpic, very rarely biennial. Lvs alternate, free, simple, entire, crowded in often flat terminal rosettes. Infl. a terminal or lateral paniculate raceme or cyme, often thyrsoid. Fls 6-13-merous; ± pendent in bud. Calyx divided to > 1/2 way; lobes equal. Petals free, ± patent, thin and not fleshy, usually yellow or cream, sometimes white, pale pink or red. Stamens exserted, twice as many as petals; inner epipetalous whorl < to > outer whorl. Scales free, very rarely 0, ± square to obcordate. Carpels as many as petals, with base immersed in receptacle. Seeds numerous.