Trees or shrubs. Stipules, if present, rudimentary. Leaves simple, opposite and decussate. Inflorescence varying from solitary flowers to a few aggregated flowers or thyrses, bracteate. Flowers bisexual, actinomorphic, the hypanthium petaloid. Sepals free, valvate. Petals present (in ours) 4-5. Stamens 4-5, opposite the petals, filaments usually attached to the rim of the hypanthium. Ovary inferior (in ours); carpels fused, locules (3-)5. Fruit a drupe (in ours). Worldwide: 9 genera and c. 35 species, eastern and southern Africa. Zimbabwe: 1 genus and 3 taxa. |
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