An evergreen shrub. Leaves are alternate, opposite, or sometimes whorled, and are simple to pinnately dissected; stipules are absent. Flowers are bisexual and zygomorphic, and sometimes have brightly colored and conspicuous associated bracts; calyx is commonly deeply 4-5 lobed or cleft. The corolla is sympetalous, usually 4-5-lobed, sometimes 2-lipped, and sometimes forms a nectary spur or sac; androecium consists of 2 or 5 stamens or more commonly of 4 didynamous stamens adnate to the corolla tube or perigynous zone, alternate with the lobes; gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 2 carpels, a single style, and a superior, sometimes asymmetric ovary with 2 sometimes unequal locules, each containing numerous axile ovules. The fruit type is usually a capsule.

Anaesthetic, diuretic, parasiticide and vasodilator (pericarp).

Plants For A Future