It includes 37 species of annual and perennial herbs which bear colorful flowers in shades of red to purple and white.

[1][2] Some species have been introduced to parts of Australia, New Zealand, southern Africa, Asia, and Europe.

[1] Over 60 species native to Australia and New Guinea that were formerly included in Calandrinia are now placed in a separate genus, Rumicastrum or Parakeelya.

[4] Species in the genus Calandrinia are annual or perennial herbaceous plants with a sprawling or erect habit.

[14] The competing view holds that the Australian genus should be named Rumicastrum according to established nomenclatural rules.