Limited uses as medicines, in perfumes, in salads and as ornamentals. Flowers usually bisexual and zygomorphic. C in some species with long spur bearing nectar. Stamens are epipetalous and vary in number from 4 down to 1.
G is inferior.
Inflorescence cymose and usually with bracteate, often crowded flowers. K. Seed 1 with straight embryo. Habit generally herbs, rarely shrubs. Leaves opposite, simple or pinnately compound usually with clasping bases. Stipules are absent.