Herbaceous perennials, subshrubs or shrubs. Inflorescence terminal, more or less capitate spikes. Calyx tubular, with five greenish ribs densely studded with large stalked glands, 5-toothed at the top. Corolla gamopetalous; the narrow tube generally exceeding the calyx; limb rotate, 5-lobed. Stamens free; filaments linear, concave-dilated in the lower part. Ovary oblong style distinct from the ovary; styles 5, united throughout their length except for the long stigmas; stigmas filiform, glandular on the inner side.

The genus contains about 15 species, mostly distributed through the tropics, locally represented by two species.

Lower Taxa

• Plumbago capensis Thunb.
• Plumbago zeylanica Linn.