Herbs, hemiparasitic. Leaves opposite. Bracts smaller than leaves. Calyx 4-lobed. Corolla tube tubular; limb 2-lipped; lower lip spreading, 3-lobed, lateral lobes entire, middle lobe emarginate; upper lip slightly arching, obscurely galeate, margin straight, apex entire to emarginate. Stamens 4, didynamous, enclosed by galea; anther locules slightly divergent, pointed at base. Stigma capitate. Capsule loculicidal. Seeds numerous, pendulous, sculptured, winged; wings cross striate.

About 20 species: temperate regions of Asia, Europe, and N Africa; one species in China.