Shrubs small, much branched; branches not jointed. Leaves alternate, terete or undeveloped, fleshy, basally decurrent. Inflorescence pedunculate, spicate. Flowers spirally arranged, (1 or)3 borne in axil of a fleshy bract, appearing sunken into fleshy rachis, without bractlets, bisexual. Perianth 4- or 5-lobed, spongy in fruit, flat on top surface. Stamens 2. Ovary ovoid; stigmas 2, papillate. Fruit a utricle, enclosed by perianth. Seed vertical, compressed; testa subleathery; embryo semi-annular; perisperm present.

Five species: C and SW Asia, SE Europe; five species in China.