Leaves opposite, connected at base with transverse line, simple, entire, usually narrow
Flowers bisexual, actinomorphic in cymes or solitary
Placentation free central
Fruit a dry capsule opening by valves or teeth
Seed with embryo curved around perisperm
75 genera, 2000 species
Economic importance - ornamentals, weeds, carnation
Diagnostic characteristics - swollen nodes, opposite leaves with transverse line
Do not produce betalains
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