FORM  Herbs shrubs and trees.

Genera       25           

Species 550 in our area 13 (Gray); 12 (B&B)⁴³

Distribution global

Flowers base of flower forms a cup or tube with the pistle seated in it. Flowers solitary or in clusters in spikes or the leaf axials.

#Parts   4-8 sepals may form tube, 4-8 petals, 4-8 stamens

Symmetry

Leaves simple entire opposite or whorled.