Fls us. perfect, regular, solitary or in spikes or racemes. Calyx adnate to ovary; lobes free, (2)-4-(5), valvate; petals or corolla-lobes (0-2)-4-(5); stamens same number as or twice as many as calyx-lobes. Ovary inferior (1)-2-4-(6)-celled; ovules 1-∞ on axile placentae; fr. capsular or baccate; seeds us. ∞, without endosperm. Herbs, shrubs or trees, with simple us. exstipulate lvs. Widespread family of some 40 genera and 500 spp.

Herbs, less commonly shrubs, occasionally trees or lianes. Lvs alternate, opposite or whorled, usually simple, usually exstipulate, sometimes with caducous stipules. Fls usually ☿, actinomorphic or somewhat zygomorphic, solitary or in spikes, racemes or panicles. Axis adnate to ovary and mostly produced beyond it as the floral tube. Calyx lobes (2)-4-(5), valvate. Petals (0)-2-4-(5), free, convolute or imbricate, often clawed. Stamens usually 8 or 4, sometimes 1-2; anthers 2-locular; pollen grains connected by fine, viscid threads. Ovary usually inferior, rarely semi-superior, 2-4-(6)-celled. Ovules 1-numerous; placentation axile; style 1; stigmas 1-4. Fr. generally a capsule, sometimes a berry or dry and nut-like. Seeds nearly always numerous, non-endospermic; embryo straight.