Glabrous vines with annual shoots arising from a fleshy rhizome. Lvs ± succulent, sessile or petiolate. Fls ☿ or unisexual, in simple or branched racemes or spikes. Bracts persistent or caducous. Bracteoles 4, in 2 decussate pairs appressed to perianth; lower pair small and free or connate; upper pair tepaloid and keeled. Tepals connate at base, enclosing ovary; segments patent at anthesis. Style usually 1 and splitting to varying degrees, sometimes 3; stigmas 1-2 to each arm, linear to globose. Fr. globose, enclosed by perianth; pericarp fleshy or parchment-like. Seeds lens-shaped.