Herbs or subshrubs. Inflorescence axillary, an umbel-like group of monochasical cymes. Primary bracts leaf-like. Calyx actinomorphic; 4- or 5-lobed. Corolla 2-lipped, resupinate; lip in upper position 3-toothed with an indistinct rugula; lip in lower position entire or emarginate. Fertile stamens 2, 1-thecous; staminodes 0. Pollen prolate. Derivation of name: From hypo (under) and estia (a house) (Greek), referring to the covering of the calyx by the bracts Worldwide: c.40 Old World tropics Zimbabwe: 2 cultivated taxa. Insects associated with this genus: |
No image of a cultivated species but there is an image of a native or naturalised species |