Perennial herbs or subshrubs; often procumbent or climbing. Leaves opposite in ± equal pairs, often fleshy. Inflorescences umbellate, whorled, irregularly branched or mixed, pedunculate. Bracts linear-lanceolate. Flowers bisexual. Perianth with lower part constricted above ovary with glands over surface (especially apex); upper part petal-like, coloured, funnel-shaped. Stamens 2-5(-6). Fruits variously shaped, ± 10-grooved, with variously arranged large sticky glands. Worldwide: c. 20 species, mostly fom Africa but also southern Europe, Asia, Australia and parts of New World Malawi: 2 taxa. |
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