Shrubs and small trees mostly wih star-shaped hairs. Leaves alternate, simple; stipules absent. Flowers bisexual and regular, in terminal clusters. Sepals 5 or sometimes 6 joined at the base into a tube, persistent. Petals 5 or 6, mostly free. Stamens 10, occasionally 12 in 2 series, free or occasionally just fused to the petals; anthers opening by terminal holes. Ovary superior; ovules numerous with axile placentation. Carpels 3, fused, with hollow 3-branched style. Fruit a capsule.

Related to the family Ericaceae.

Flowers sweet-smelling; perianth radially symmetrical; anthers opening by terminal holes; carpels 3, fused. Similar to Ericaceae but the petals almost free.

1 genus of E Asia, the Americas and Madeira.

Source: Spencer, R. (1997). Clethraceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 2. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 1. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.