Fls cymose to solitary; petals clawed; stamens 5, united at base, staminodes 5 or 0. Ovary 5-celled; ovules 2 per cell, separated by partial false septum. Capsules dehiscing into 10 cocci, seeds compressed.·

Herbs or shrubs. Lvs alternate or opposite, entire, sessile, usually exstipulate, sometimes stipules present and then gland-like. Fls solitary or in dichasia or corymbs. Sepals 5, free ± to base. Petals 5, usually white to blue or violet, rarely yellow or red. Stamens 5, united at base, alternating with 5 minute staminodes. Ovary 5-locular; styles 5, usually free, sometimes united almost to stigmas. Capsule often shortly beaked, 5-carpellate, 10-seeded, usually dehiscent, each cell divided by a secondary septum. Seeds compressed, glossy.