Herbs, annual. Leaves opposite or appearing whorled. Inflorescences axillary, compound dichasia, appearing umbelliform. Flowers: sepals 5; stamens 5; carpels 5, free; ovaries 5, each 1-loculed; style and stigma 1 per carpel; stigma terminal. Fruits: group of thin-walled, lenticular achenes. Seed 1 per carpel.
Described as 'debatably phytolaccaceous' by G. K. Rogers (1985), Gisekia has been referred also to Aizoaceae, Molluginaceae, and even Portulacaceae---and, perhaps the best solution, to its own family, Gisekiaceae.
The generic name is sometimes misspelled as 'Giesekia.'
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services [MG-70-19-0057-19].