Herbs, shrubs, or trees with bristly hairs, usually simple hairs, alternate and spiral. Inflorescences determinate, often a scorpioid cyme, with perfect and radial flowers, calyx of 5 sepals, distinct or connate, corolla usually rotate and bearing appendages, funnel-like or tubular, stamens 5, epipetalous. Superior ovary with variable placentation, 2 connate carpels, divided in 2, making 4 chambers, with a gynobasic style.  Fruits a drupe, schizocarp, or capsule with nutlets.