Fls solitary or in few-fld axillary or terminal corymbs; bracts small, distant from fl.; calyx divided nearly or quite to base; corolla 5-angled, stamens inserted at base of corolla-tube; style filiform, stigmas 2, linear; capsule 2-loculed, each locule with 1-2 seeds. Annual or perennial herbs, sts woody near base. About 200, mainly temperate, spp.; the N.Z. spp. endemic.

Annual or perennial herbs, sometimes small shrubs, usually with twining or trailing stems but occasionally erect. Latex present, usually white. Lvs petiolate, entire or lobed, often sagittate. Fls solitary or in axillary or terminal cymes, occasionally in dense involucrate heads. Bracts minute or subequal to calyx but not concealing it. Sepals 5, equal or unequal. Corolla 5-lobed, funnelform, variously coloured, the mid-petaline bands often differently coloured and hairy. Stamens 5, included, inserted at base of corolla tube. Ovary surrounded by an annular disc, 2-locular; each loculus with 2-ovules. Style included. Stigma 2-lobed. Capsule usually 2-celled and 4-seeded, usually globose or subglobose. Seeds usually glabrous but sometimes verrucose.