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Stamens 8–10(12), very unequal, sometimes subequal (osbeckioid forms); anthers of the longer stamens lanceolate-subulate, rostrate, 1-porose, with introrse pore and undulate thecae, generally purple, with a long pedoconnective provided at the base with an anterior 2-lobed or 2-fid appendage like a spur, those of the shorter stamens usually yellow, shorter, with a short pedoconnective and smaller appendage.
Ovary 4–5-locular, adnate to the receptacle by 8–10(12) longitudinal septa, usually bristly at the top; style filiform, curved, slightly dilated towards the apex; stigma punctiform.
Annual or perennial herbs, shrubs or small trees, usually ± pilose, pubescent, lanate or tomentose, rarely completely glabrous.
Flowers 4–5(6)-merous, rarely solitary, more often in heads or in cymes, frequently paniculate.
Sepals persistent or caducous; intersepalar segments present, rarely 0.
Petals obovate, rose, mauve, purple or violet, rarely white or orange.
Capsule 4–5-valved, coriaceous, included in the receptacle.
Receptacle with various indumentum or rarely glabrous.
Leaves opposite or verticillate, generally petiolate.
Seeds minute, cochleate, very numerous.
