Involucel 3-leaved, sub-unilateral. Calyx 5-parted, persistent. Petals 5, hypogynous, obovate, unequal sided, convolute in æstivation, deciduous. Stamens 10, connate at base; 5 sterile, strap-shaped, opposite the petals; 5 alternate fertile, shorter; anthers sagittate, erect, slitting. Ovary 5-celled; ovules several in each cell; style 5-fid at summit. Capsule 5-celled, loculicidal. The S. African species of this genus are small, half woody, slightly branched, tomentose or softly hairy plants, with the aspect of Hermannia, but with larger flowers than commonly occur in that genus. Their leaves are ovate or linear-oblong, obtuse at base. The peduncles are axillary, 1–2-flowered. Stipules narrow-subulate. In tropical Africa and Asia there are shrubby or arborescent kinds, resembling Dombeya in aspect.