[citation needed] The family consists of trees, shrubs and herbs showing a wide range of colours and floral patterns.

Leaves opposite, less often alternate or in some species whorled, simple in shape, with entire edges and bases connately attached to the stem.

Ecologically, partial myco-heterotrophy is common among species in this family with a few genera such as Voyria and Voyriella lacking chlorophyll and being fully myco-heterotrophic.

For example, Gentianella uliginosa (Dune Gentian), which occurs in some limited areas of Wales and Scotland, is a priority species under the Biodiversity Action Plan of the United Kingdom.

However, Pirie et al.[7] suggested that ancient vicariance cannot be ruled out as an explanation for the early origins of Exaceae across Africa, Madagascar and the Indian subcontinent unless a strong assumption is made about the maximum age of Gentianales.