Deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs. Leaves alternate, petiolate, entire or serrulate. Flowers bracteate, white, in axillary fascicles, panicles, racemes or sometimes solitary. Calyx 4-5-lobed, valvate, persistent. Corolla 4-5-lobed, globular or urceolate, pubescent. Stamens 8-10; anthers without or with 2 weak appendages. Ovary 4-5-locular; stigma truncate. Capsule 4-5-locular, sutures with corky or spongy thickenings. Seeds numerous, testa loose.