Herbs annual, hirsute, hairs tuberclelike at base. Stems erect or decumbent, branched. Cymes bracteate. Calyx 5-parted to base; lobes enlarged in fruit. Corolla funnelform to campanulate; throat appendages 5, trapeziform. Stamens included. Ovary 4-parted. Style short; stigma capitate. Gynobase columnar, low. Nutlets homomorphic or heteromorphic, dorsiventrally compressed, firmly coherent to gynobase along entire adaxial surface; abaxially discoid, with prickles or other appendages.

About seven species: C to SW Asia; one species in China.