Plants annual or perennial herbs or subshrubs. Leaves opposite, entire. Inflorecences terminal on the stems and branches, spikelike or with spikelike branches, bracteate, each branch subtending a single fertile flower with a modified sterile flower on each side or, more commonly, enclosing a partial inflorescnce of 1 fertile flower subtended by 2 or more such triads. Sterile flowers initially very small, rapidly accrescentm of 3 or more stalked clusters of uncinate spines which are stellately or dendroidly disposed on a common peduncle, each partial inflorescence falling as a burr in fruit. Tepals 5; stamens 5 fused at the extreme base, no pseudostaminodes present; ovaries with 1 ovule each; styles slender; stigmas capitate. Fruits thin-walled, irregularly dehiscent capsules with firm tops.
Pupalia includes 4 species, all of which are native to the tropics. Only Pupalia lappacea extends in to the subtropics.
Note: GBIF records include introduced and cultivated plants. Consequently, the distribution shown often differs from statements about a taxon's native distribution.