Annual herbs, sometimes ± woody at base. Stipules scarious. Leaves opposite or apparently whorled, linear to oblanceolate or ovate. Inflorescences of
loose or compact terminal cymes, often with a single pedicellate flower between the main branches; bracts scarious. Sepals 5,
scarious, not keeled, silvery, brownish, purplish or pinkish. Petals shorter than the sepals, 5, entire
or emarginate. Stamens 5 (or fewer). Styles united below. Ovary 1-locular. Capsule 3-valved. Worldwide: 50, mainly Old World species in tropical and warm areas. Zambia: 3 taxa. |
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