Shrubs or trees. Branches cylindrical, jointed, joints fleshy. Annual shoots with 2-layered epidermis. Leaves opposite, minute or rudimentary, connate. Flowers small, hermaphrodite, axillary and usually solitary, 2-bracteolate. Perianth segments 5, free or connate below, later develope spreading, scarious wings near tip: Stamens generally 5; anthers muticous; staminodes 5, membranous, thin and glabrous, united with bases of filaments into a lobed cup-like disk. Ovary with short style and 2-3 (-5) stigmas. Fruit included in open perianth, globular or top-shaped, depressed, concave above, fleshy. Seeds horizontal, with spirally coiled embryo.