Herbs or small shrubs. Stem procumbent, diffuse. Leaves usually alternate, exstipulate. Flowers axillary, solitary or in spikes or cymes. Petals absent. Stamens many, episepalous. Ovary 5-4-locular, with usually many ovules per locule; styles 4-5, free. Capsule somewhat woody, splitting downwards. Seeds usually many, reniform.