Shrubs , 2-3(-5) dm, from stout-linear or fusiform taproots. Bark thin, glabrate. Shoots arching to semidecumbent, simple or sparingly branched, glabrate; lenticels pale; buds naked. Leaves tardily deciduous. Leaf blade leathery, glabrate. Inflorescences from axils of new shoot leaves, solitary flowers; peduncle not bracteate. Flowers ascending to nodding; receptacle flat-surfaced; sepals persistent, (2-)3(-4), oblong to ovate, imbricate in bud; petals 6-9(-15) in 2 whorls, ±equal, fleshy, veins impressed adaxially, imbricate in bud; stamens 10-20(-25), erect in flat-topped mass; connective short-cylindric, extruding, blunt; pistils 1-5(-7), distinct, narrowly fusiform, glabrate; ovules 3-8 per pistil in 2 staggered rows. Fruits simple berries, 1-5 per flower, yellow-green, unevenly oblong-cylindric, pulpy, insipid. Seeds 3-8 per pistil, bean-shaped to ovoid, coat tough, margins absent.