Shrubs or annual herbs. Branches not jointed. Leaves alternate (except for the lower ones which are almost opposite), fleshy, clasping, subglobular to ovoid. Inflorescences dense, cone-shaped. Bracts fleshy, spirally arranged. Flowers all hermaphrodite or some pistillate, more or less connate with each other and adnate to the bract subtending each group. Perianth small, obconical, of 3 segments, not winged. Stamens 1-2. Ovary pear-shaped, somewhat laterally compressed; stigmas 2, subulate. Fruit included, with membranous pericarp. Seeds ellipsoidal, papillate; endosperm central, abundant; embryo hook-shaped.