Herbs annual. Stem erect, much branched, densely villous or also pubescent. Leaves alternate, sessile, linear, linear-lanceolate, oblong, or ovate, base attenuate or broadly cuneate, margin entire, apex obtuse or acute. Flowers axillary, solitary, or several forming a short, dense spike, bisexual and female (plants polygamous), densely pilose, without bractlets. Perianth cylindric-ellipsoid, 5-lobed; segments with an abaxial, cornate or horizontal, winglike appendage distally in fruit. Stamens 5, exserted; filaments filiform, somewhat short. Sigmas 2, exserted, papillate. Utricle depressed ovoid. Seed vertical; embryo horseshoe-shaped; radicle inferior; perisperm copious.

Three species: C and SW Asia; one species in China.