Plants in this genus are carnivorous (insectivorous) perennials.  Their leaves are covered with sticky-tipped, glandular hairs that secret sticky sap that snares small insects.  The sap contains a digestive juice that changes the protein in the insect into a substance that the plant can absorb through its leaves.  Inflorescences are erect racemes nodding at the tip when not fully open.  Flowers have 5 distinct petals and 5 stamens.  Fruit is a capsule.