Deciduous or semi-evergreen shrubs. Stems remaining green except when very old, hollow. Lvs simple, entire or lobed, stipulate or exstipulate. Fls in terminal pendulous spikes, whorled, not fragrant, in the axils of large bracts usually > fls. Calyx 5-lobed; lobes unequal. Corolla 5-lobed, regular, funnelform. Stamens 5, ± exserted. Ovary 5-8-celled. Style slender; stigma capitate. Fr. a berry, with many small seeds.