are bisexual, regular, solitary or borne in cymes; they usually have five, sometimes three (Lechea), petals. The petals are free, usually crumpled in the bud, and sometimes in the open flower (e. g. Cistus incanus). The flowers have five sepals, the inner three of which are distinctly wider, and the outer two are narrow and sometimes regarded as bracteoles. This sepal arrangement is a characteristic property of the family.

The stamens