Flora of New Zealand Series

Perennial, heterostylous herbs or occasionally subshrubs, usually erect, sometimes prostrate. Lvs mostly opposite or whorled, entire. Fls 5-(7)-merous, in axillary or terminal racemes or panicles, or solitary and axillary; pedicels of varying lengths. Calyx divided almost or completely to base; lobe width very variable. Corolla rotate or campanulate; tube very short. Stamens inserted on corolla tube, sometimes unequal, sometimes partly monadelphous; filaments often scaly. Capsule globose or ovoid, 5-(7)-valved. Seeds few to many, rugose.

150-200 spp., temperate and subtropical regions, especially E. Asia. Naturalised spp. 2.