Perennial, green hemiparasites. Leaves mostly opposite or nearly so, generally fleshy. Inflorescences racemose or spicate, mostly axillary, many- or few-flowered. Bracts and bracteoles present, small. Flowers hermaphrodite, rarely unisexual. Calyx tube ovoid or top-shaped, with short, truncate or dentate limb. Petals 4-6 (-8), free or connate at base, volute. Filament adnate to base of petals; anthers ovoid, oblong or linear, 2-celled. Ovary inferior; style filiform, with capitate stigma. Fruit a viscid berry or drupe, 1-celled, 1-seeded.