Leaves opposite, whorled or basal, simple
Flowers bisexual, often heterostyled (styles of different length), actinomorphic
Fruit a capsule
Seed with small embryo
30 genera, 1000 species, mostly north temperate
Economic uses - ornamentals
Cyclamen
Lysimachia (Loosestrife)
Primula (Primrose)
Dodecatheon (shooting star)
Diagnostic characteristics: herbs, flowers 5-merous, stamens opposite petals, heterostylous
