Description: Annual herbs without a basal rosette.
Leaves sessile, scarcely fused in pairs.
Inflorescence erect. Flowers 4- or 5-merous. Sepals scarcely fused, lobes 4 or 5, much longer than tube. Corolla tubular, 4- or 5-lobed. Stamens 4 or 5, filaments mostly fused to corolla tube; anthers straight and with a terminal gland. Ovary of 2 carpels, 2-locular; styles filiform, not persistent.
Capsule enclosed in the persistent calyx and corolla.
Distribution and occurrence: World: c. 100 species, Africa, Madagascar, India, Australia, New Zealand. Australia: 2 species (1 species endemic), all States except N.T.
Text by G. J. Harden
Taxon concept:
| | Key to the species | |
| 1 | Calyx with an obvious winged keel; corolla remaining twisted in bud stage even until fruitng stage and therefore cleistogamous (ie. self pollinating with fertile seed) | Sebaea zeyheri |
| 1 | Calyx without a winged keel; corolla opening and lobes spreading to show anthers and style | Sebaea ovata |
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