Perennial herbs or small shrubs. Lvs usually simple, occasionally pinnate. Verticels forming lax or dense, terminal, simple or branched spikes. Bracts very variable but differing distinctly from lvs and sometimes forming a terminal plume. Calyx tubular, (8)-13-(15)-nerved, not gibbous at base, 5-toothed; posterior tooth often enlarged and sometimes with an appendage. Corolla ± 2-lipped, hairy outside, at least on limb, usually blue, mauve or purplish (sometimes white or pink in cvs); lobes almost equal. Stamens 4, included, declined. Style gynobasic, its branches equal. Nutlets glabrous, generally smooth, with a pale areole denoting area of attachment.