Flora of New Zealand Series

Herbs or occasionally subshrubs. Lvs usually all radical, sometimes cauline, alternate or opposite, simple, sometimes reduced, exstipulate, generally sheathing at base. Fls usually in spikes, small, actinomorphic, usually ⚥, bracteate. Calyx herbaceous or scarious; sepals 4, often connate at base, persistent. Corolla gamopetalous; segments (3)-4, imbricate, scarious. Stamens (1)-4, epipetalous or inserted at base of perianth; anthers versatile, 2-locular. Ovary superior, 1-4-locular; style 1; ovules 1-many; placentation axile or basal. Fr. a circumscissile capsule or hard indehiscent nut. Seed endospermic; embryo straight.

3 genera, c. 260 spp., temperate regions and montane tropics.