A small genus comprising 7 species of evergreen shrubs in the heather family native to East and South Asia and parts of Eastern North America and the Caribbean. They are compact shrubs with spirals of lanceolate or oval leaves often brightly coloured when young. Their flowers are typical heath-like bells arranged in pendant racemes. Some species are popular as garden plants for their year-round interest and are best grown in an acid soil in a sheltered, shady position.