It contains the fruiting bushes commonly called joyapas and is distributed throughout the Neotropics.

Their leaves are usually arranged alternately, occasionally in pairs, with a leathery texture and smooth edges.

The calyx is fused, forming a tube that is round or occasionally winged, with the upper part standing upright or spreading out.

The corolla is also fused, forming a tube that can be cylindrical, elongated, urn-shaped, or nearly spherical, with a fleshy texture.

Psammisia plants produce fruit in the form of berries, which have a leathery texture.