Herbs or undershrubs. Leaf imparipinnate, leaflets entire, stipels absent; stipules adnate to the petiole or free. Inflorescence an axillary raceme or spike. Bracts often small. Bracteoles minute or absent. Calyx gamosepalous, teeth sub-equal. Vexillum ovate or oblong. Keel mucronate. Stamens diadelphous, 9+1, vexillary stamen free. Ovary sessile or stipitate, style straight or more often curved, not barbate, stigma terminal. Fruit turgid, the seed bearing suture generally intruded, partly dividing the fruit. Seeds reniform, without strophiole.