Herbs perennial, rhizomatous. Leaves large, pedately sect or parted. Inflorescence terminal, cymose, 1- to several flowered. Sepals 5, petaloid, white, pink-red, or green, usually persistent. Petals small, tubular or cup-shaped, shortly stalked, apex ± bilabiate. Stamens numerous; filaments narrowly linear, 1-veined; anthers ellipsoid. Follicles 2--10, leathery, styles persistent. Seeds several per follicle, ellipsoid-globose.

About 20 species: W Asia, China, C and S Europe; one species (endemic) in China.

(Authors: Li Liangqian; Michio Tamura)