Infl. various; fls 5-merous, perfect, irregular. Receptacle adnate to ovary at least in lower part; calyx-lobes often obscure; corolla gamo-petalous, sts split to base at back, us. 2-lipped, valvate. Stamens alt. with corolla-lobes; anthers free or connivent around style, 2-celled, opening lengthwise. Ovary wholly or partly inferior; stigma surrounded by pollen-cup ("indusium"). Fr. drupaceous to nutlike or capsular; seeds with straight embryo and cop. endosperm. Perennial herbs or sub-shrubs with watery sap. Lvs us. alt., simple, exstipulate. Some 12 genera and 300 spp., mostly of Australia.