Annual herb with taproot. Leaves alternate, basal and cauline, 2–3-pinnately divided. Inflorescence a solitary flower, terminal on stem branches; bracts 5–6, finely pinnately dissected, forming an involucre. Flowers bisexual; sepals 5, petaloid, persistent; petals 5, smaller than sepals, 2-lipped, clawed; stamens numerous; carpels 2–14, partially to almost entirely united, ovules numerous. Follicles united, forming a capsule. Seeds black, rugose or tuberculate.
About 20 species native to the Mediterranean region, western Africa, and south western and central Asia; 1 species naturalized in Australia.
