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Herbs perennial. Stems fleshy, usually unbranched, rarely 2-or 3-branched. Inflorescences spicate; bract 1; bractlets 2, rarely absent. Calyx tubular or campanulate, apex (4 or)5-lobed, rarely 5-parted, lobes usually equal. Corolla tubular-campanulate or funnelform, apex 5-lobed; lobes subequal. Stamens 4, inserted in corolla tube; anthers 2-celled, all fertile, usually pubescent. Ovary 1-locular, parietal placentas 4, rarely 2 or 6. Style slender, persistent; stigma 2-lobed. Capsule ovoid-globose or globose, dehiscing by 2(or 3) valves. Seeds subglobose; testa reticulate.
Corolla tubular below, funnel-shaped above, more or less curved or bent; limb 5-lobed, spreading, lobes broad, equal or subequal.
Stamens 4, didynamous, more or less exserted, inserted deep in corolla tube; anthers usually bearded.
Calyx gamosepalous, 4-or 5-lobed, persistent; lobes obtuse, rounded, equal or two posterior narrower.
Flowers simple or subsessile, bracteate, bibracteolate, rather large.
Root parasites totally lacking chlorophyll, fleshy.
Stems succulent, simple, of ten thickened at base.
Stigma globular; style apically decurved.
Inflorescence congested, spicate.
Leaves reduced to fleshy scales.
Ovary unilocular, ovules many.
Seeds numerous, minute.
Capsule bi-valved.
