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Pernnial or shrubby herbs or shrubs; cystoliths conspicuous; stems subquadrangular. Leaves opposite, entire to crenate. Flowers single, aggregated into strobilate spiciform cymes; bracts conspicuous; bracteoles linear. Calyx deeply divided into 5 subequal linear sepals. Corolla contorted in bud, finely puberulous and/or glandular on the outside, with a long linear cylindric tube which is only slightly expanded into a short indistinct throat; limb spreading, subequally 5-lobed. Stamens 2, sometimes with 2 minute staminodes, inserted dorsally at base of throat, exserted, filaments much flattened basally, narrowly so or terete towards apex; anthers 2-thecous, narrowly oblong, thecae equal or subequal, rounded at both ends. Ovary 2-locular, 2–4-ovulate; style finely hairy; stigma of 2 capitate lobes. Capsule 2-seeded, clavate, with solid contracted basal part, laterally flattened, glabrous; retinaculae strong, hook-like. Seed discoid, covered with long hygroscopic hairs.