Description: Shrubs or subshrubs.
Leaves opposite or alternate, often crowded, frequently ericoid, mostly sessile.
Flowers in terminal clusters, occasionally solitary or paired in upper leaf axils; usually without bracteoles. Hypanthium tubular, circumsciss above the ovary. Sepals 4 or 5. Petals absent or 4–12. Stamens sessile or with short filaments, usually 8 in 2 rows. Ovary 1-locular.
Fruit dry, enclosed in the persistent base of the hypanthium.
Distribution and occurrence: World: c. 150 species, mainly Africa. Australia: 1 species (naturalized).
Text by G. J. Harden
Taxon concept:
| One species in NSW: Gnidia squarrosa |
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