Perennial herbs, rarely annual. Stipules 0. Leaves opposite, usually alternate above, toothed or entire. Flowers in a terminal inflorescence. Bracteoles 0. Sepals 4, not persistent. Petals 4, rose-purple or white, emarginate. Stamens 8. Stigma clavate, spherical or deeply 4-lobed. Ovary 4-locular.
Dehiscence of capsule loculicidal. Seeds with a prominent tuft of
hairs. Worldwide: 165 species in temperate areas, especially W N America, arctic and tropical mountains The larvae of the following species of insect eat species of this genus: |
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