Leaves alternate, exstipulate. Flowers usually hermaphrodite, actinomorphic, hypogynous. Sepals 4, free, in 2 decussate pairs. Petals 4, rarely absent, free, clawed, imbricate or contorted, alternating with the sepals. Nectarial glands of various sizes, shapes, colours and dispositions around the base of the stamens and ovary.
Stigma capitate to bilobed.
Seeds in 1 or 2 rows in each loculus. There is great diversity in the form and structure of the fruit in this family, often affording an easy means of identification, especially in genera which do not posses a normal siliqua or silicula.