Shrubs and small trees. Leaves simple, entire. Inflorescence paniculate or corymbose, of 1-many short, dense spikes. Flowers sessile, solitary; each flower subtended by a bracteole; rachis thickened and lengthening in fruit. Perianth tubular with 4 nearly equal lobes, or 2-lipped; adaxial lip of 1 broad lobe; abaxial lip 3-lobed. Stamens inserted in gibbous apex of perianth tube, or in base of lower lip; filaments short, thick; adaxial stamen 2-locular, connate with 1-locular, lateral stamens; abaxial stamen sterile. Ovary sessile; ovule 1, pendulous; style filiform at base, thickened above and incurved abaxially, beaked; stigma lateral, subterminal. Fruit an obconical or urceolate nut, hairy or glabrous.
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