Perennial plants with undivided leaves. Flowers simple or more often in a reduced inflorescence. Perigonium simple, composed of 5-10 petaloid sepals. Petals (nectaries) lacking. Stamens and carpels numerous, arranged in irregular numbers on a flat receptacle. Carpels free from each other, many seeded. Mature fruits developed as follicles. Seeds compressed obovoid or oblong, sometimes asymmetrical.