Shrubs or small trees with an indumentum of generally branched hairs. Leaves mostly opposite; stipules leafy or reduced to a line. Flowers 4-merous, in terminal and/or axillary panicle- or raceme-like inflorescences. Calyx ± campanulate with subequal lobes. Corolla variously coloured; lobes imbricate. Stamens inserted in corolla; anther cells not confluent. Ovary 2-celled, each cell with many ovules; style with capitate or slightly 2-lobed stigma. Fruit a capsule with septicidal dehiscence or sometimes a berry.