Annual or perennial glabrous herbs. Inflorescence of terminal paniculate cymes. Calyx inrolled in flower, enlarging and forming a pappus in fruit. Corolla red, pink or white, with a spur at the base; lobes 5. Stamen 1. Ovary apparently of 1 carpel. Fruit a 1-seeded achene.
Worldwide: 9 species, occurring in the Mediterranean region and Europe.