Leaves alternate or rarely opposite, simple, stipules present
Flowers solitary, sometimes cleistomagmous (self-pollinated flower that does not open), bisexual, zygomorphic, or actinomorphic
Fruit a capsule
Seed with endosperm
16 genera, 900 species
Diagnostic characteristics: herbs, zygomorphic flowers, cleistogamous flowers hidden underground often present, cordate leaves
Economic importance: violets, pansies
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