Shrubs and herbs. Leaves opposite or in whorls of 3-4 or alternate; stipules when present scarious, soon deciduous or 0. Inflorescences dichasial, glomerate or scorpioid. Flowers hermaphrodite or unisexual, actinomorphic, with simple or double perianth. Sepals 4-5, free or connate at base. Petals (where present) mostly derived from outer stamens. Stamens 5-10, rarely more, free or connate at base. Ovary superior; carpels 2-5, syncarpous, rarely apocarpous; ovules campylotropous or anatropous. Fruit a capsule, schizocarp or nutlet.