Annuals, with oval to oblong, short-petioled lower leaves; the others narrower, attenuate towards base. Flowers in terminal spiciform inflorescence, perfect, ebracteolate solitary (not in groups). Perianth deeply 5-partite, with 2-lobed oblong segments. Stamens 5; anthers oblong, terminating in a minutely tuberculate appendage. Ovary pyriform, with 2 sessile or sub-sessile stigmas. Fruit vertical, compressed, winged. Seeds with endosperm and annular embryo.

A genus of 5-6 species with its probable centre of diversity in Iran.

Lower Taxon

• Anthochlamys polygaloides (Fisch. & C. A. Mey.) Fenzl