Shrubs. Stems erect, branched; branches opposite, spreading, annual ones fleshy, jointed, densely papillate. Leaves opposite, undeveloped, scale-like. Inflorescences opposite, pedunculate, spicate; bracts opposite, scale-like; bractlets absent. Flowers axillary, 3 per bract, bisexual. Perianth 3-lobed; segments incurved. Stamens 1. Ovary compressed ovoid; stigmas 2, subulate, papillate. Fruit a utricle. Seed vertical, compressed ovoid; embryo semi-annular; perisperm present.

One species: Asia, SE Europe.