Shrubs or small trees. Leaves opposite-decussate, sessile, often ericoid. Inflorescence terminal or axillary, a head or spike, flowers subtended by a leaf-like bract. Flowers bisexual; floral tube cylindrical or narrow-campanulate, basal portion usually persistent; sepals 4; corolla lobes absent; stamens 8, unequal, exserted; nectary disc absent; ovary 1-locular, style lateral, stigma globose.
About 20 species from southern Africa; 1 species recorded in Australia.
