Trees or shrubs, sometimes armed. Stipules 0. Leaves alternate, simple, entire; midrib impressed above, prominent below (in ours). Flowers actinomorphic, unisexual or bisexual. Calyx cup-shaped, margin entire or lobed. Petals 3-5(-6), free or united, valvate. Stamens as many as or more numerous than the petals; all fertile or some sterile (i.e. staminodes may be present). Ovary superior or semi-inferior, usually 3-5-locular at base. Stigma lobed or capitate. Fruit a 1-seeded drupe (in ours). Worldwide: 27 genera and 180 species, tropical and South Africa. Zimbabwe: 3 genera and 6 taxa. |
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