Prostrate to erect, succulent, annual herbs. Leaves opposite; leaf bases membranous, often connate in pairs. Flowers axillary, solitary or more often in groups. Perianth segments united at base; lobes mucronate behind the tip. Stamens 5-numerous, attached to the perianth. Ovary superior, consisting of 1 carpel, 1-locular, with 2-numerous ovules per loculus. Style 1. Fruit a circumscissile capsule, enclosed by the perianth; the capsule lid remaining in one piece. Worldwide: c. 17 species in warm regions, many in Australia Zimbabwe: 4 taxa. |
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