Annual, variable in stature. Stems arising from a top root, erect, single or several, 12-60 cm, simple or branched from the base, below with eglandular retrorse hairs, above with capitates glandular and longer eglandular hairs. Leaves usually oblong to ovate, c. 2.5-7 x 1-3.5 mm, below scabridulous eglandular pilose especially on nerves and with sessile oil globules, above eglandular pilose, crenulate to serrulate; petiole narrowly winged 5-30 mm. Inflorescence usually branched, often arising from upper leaf axils; verticillasters many, approximating, 3-8-flowered. Bracts present. Pedicels 1-1.5 mm long, ± spreading. Calyx tubular campanulate c. 2.5 mm in flower expanding to c. 33 mm in fruit, with a short indumentum of many small capitate glandular hairs, eglandular hairs and sessile oil globules; upper lip with 3 very short scarcely mucronulate teeth. Corolla pale pink or mauve, 2.5-4 mm; tube c. 2 mm straight, pilose within, not squamulate; upper lip straight. Lower thecae sterile. Nutlets brownish, ovoid, smooth, c. 1 x 0.5 mm, strongly mucilaginous on wetting.

Fl. Per.: March-June.

Type: Australia.

Distribution: S. Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Himalaya (Kashmir to Bhutan), India, China, Japan, Malaysia, Australia.

Anomalous and distinctive in the genus on account of the annual habit and very small calyces and corollas. Usually to be found in weedy places or disturbed habitats. Concoctions from the mucilage of the wetted seeds are used medicinally (cf. Wealth of India, l.c.).