| leaves: | usually alternate, simple, usually entire, without stipules |
| inflorescence: | spike, raceme, or panicle, usually with bracts; or flowers 1-2 in leaf axils |
| flowers: | usually strong bilateral, usually 2-lipped, upper lip 2-lobed, lower lip 3-lobed, infertile stamenode often present |
| fruit: | capsule, loculiciidal or septicidal |