Herbs annual or perennial. Stems branched; branches opposite; branchlets not jointed. Leaves alternate, lower ones sometimes opposite; leaf blade fleshy, ovoid or subglobose. Inflorescence spicate; bracts scale-like, spirally arranged. Flowers axillary, 3 per bract, bisexual. Perianth compressed, 3-lobed. Stamens 1 or 2; filaments very short. Fruit a utricle. Seed ovoid or globose; testa ± leathery, glabrous or papillate; embryo semi-annular; perisperm present.

Three species: N Africa, C and SW Asia, S Europe; one species in China.