There are about 35 species in this genus of flowering plants in the carnation family. The come from many areas of the world including Eurasia, Africa, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

This genus consists of both annual and perennial species with small, opposite leaves that bear small white to pink flowers on many branches. The name comes from the Greek words of gypsum, gypsos, and loving, philios, since they come from areas with these types of soils.