Woody climbers. Milky latex present (in ours). Stipules present. Leaves imparipinnate. Inflorescence raceme-like with 2 coiled tendrils from the peduncle apex. Flowers unisexual, slightly zygomorphic. Sepals 5, unequal. Petals 4. Stamens 8. Ovary 5-locular. Fruit a tardily dehiscent, trigonous or narrowly winged, woody capsule. Seed with arillode. Worldwide: c.150-200 spp.species all apart from P. pinnata, confined to tropical America. Zimbabwe: 2 cultivated taxa. |