Annual or perennial herbs. Stipules 0. Leaves opposite. Inflorescence of terminal dichasial cymes. Flowers usually 5-merous. Sepals free. Petals white, very deeply 2-fid. Stamens 10, or fewer. Styles 3. Capsule opening by 6 valves.
Worldwide: 150-200 species, cosmopolitan.
Zimbabwe: 2 taxa.