Shrubs or small trees, usually erect, sometimes scrambling or trailing. Leaves with or without lobes; stipules caducous. Flowers axillary, solitary or in terminal cluster.; Epicalyx segments 5-16, connate at base, linear to lanceolate or spathulate. Calyx 5-lobed. Corolla tube-like never completely expanded, usually scarlet; petals auriculate at base. Staminal column exserted, 5-lobed at apex, antheriferous near the apex. Carpels 5; ovary 5-loculed, each locule 1-ovuled; style branches 10, basally connate; stigmas capitate. Fruit a schizocarp, fleshy, berry like, ultimately dry; mericarps 5, separating at maturity, indehiscent. Seed 1 in each mericarp.