Herbs or rarely shrubs, generally hairy and often scabrid. Lvs alternate or opposite, simple or compound, exstipulate, often in basal rosettes. Infl. composed of terminal or axillary scorpioid cymes. Fls ☿, actinomorphic, nearly always 5-merous. Calyx deeply lobed, imbricate. Corolla funnelform, rotate, campanulate; lobes imbricate or rarely contorted. Stamens epipetalous, alternating with corolla lobes; anthers versatile. Ovary superior, 1-celled with parietal placentation or 2-celled with placentae adnate to septum. Styles 1-2. Fr. a loculicidal, rarely septicidal, capsule. Seeds with fleshy endosperm.