Cushion shrubs, perennial. Taproot woody. Stems densely caespitose, becoming woody when old. Leaves densely imbricate, sessile, small; leaf blade ovate, small; stipules absent. Inflorescence a solitary flower in terminal leaf axil. Flower 5(or 4)-merous. Pedicel nearly absent. Sepals connate below middle, tube obconic. Petals entire. Stamens ca. 2 × as many as sepals; filaments glandular at base, inserted at disc edges. Ovary 1-loculed with several ovules; styles 3(or 2), linear. Fruit a capsule, globose, leathery, 6(or 4)-toothed, several seeded. Seeds reniform, large; testa spongy, ± smooth.

One species: C Asia, W China, Himalayas.

(Authors: Lu Dequan; Michael G. Gilbert)