Herbs annual or perennial, rarely subshrubs, monoecious. Stems erect, glabrous or pubescent. Leaves simple, alternate, petiolate; leaf blade triangular, cordate, broadly ovate, sagittate, or linear; ocrea membranous, oblique, margin entire, apex acute or truncate. Inflorescence racemose or corymbose. Flowers bisexual. Perianth persistent, 5-parted; tepals 5, not accrescent. Stamens 8. Styles 3, elongate; stigmas capitate. Achenes trigonous, not winged or horned at base.

About 15 species: Asia, Europe; ten species (six endemic) in China.

(Authors: Li Anjen (李安仁 Li An-ren); Suk-pyo Hong)