Trees, shrubs or herbs, sometimes scrambling, usually glabrous and slightly succulent. Stipules 0 (in ours). Leaves simple, alternate, ± entire. Inflorescence a spike or panicle. Sepals 4-5. Petals 0. Stamens 4-many, 1-2-seriate, often on a fleshy disk. Ovary usually superior. Fruits of 1-many, free or connate carpels, fleshy or dry. Worldwide: 18 genera and 65 species, tropical and warm areas, especially America. Zimbabwe: 2 genera and 4 taxa. |
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