Annual or perennial herbs, sometimes shrubby, sometimes ± succulent, not rhizomatous. Lvs simple, usually toothed. Infl. cymose, paniculate or racemose, lax or subspicate. Bracts small, distinct from lvs. Calyx subequally 5-toothed or 2-lipped, 10-nerved; upper lip larger; tube often gibbous towards base and villous within. Corolla 2-lipped, usually with some hairs outside; tube usually bent; upper lip often 4-lobed, < lower lip; lower lip entire, boat-shaped. Stamens usually 4, very rarely 2, attached at mouth of corolla tube, declinate in lower lip of corolla, 1-celled; filaments free or united at base. Style lying with stamens in lower lip of corolla, gynobasic, its branches subequal. Nutlets ovoid or oblong, smooth or granular.
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