Sapindaceae - Litchi family

Trees, shrubs or climbers, sometimes with tendrils (Cardiospermum and Paullinia). Stipules 0 (but present in Cardiospermum). Leaves alternate, mostly compound, a few simple (Dodonaea and Pappea); rhachis sometimes winged. Inflorescence usually a thyrse but flowers sometimes fasciculate. Sepals usually 4-5, often ± connate. Petals 0-5. Disk present (0 in Dodonaea). Stamens usually 5-12, reduced, rarely 0 in female flowers. Ovary of 2-8 carpels. Style 1. Fruit a capsule or fleshy and indehiscent or composed of 1 or more indehiscent cocci. Seeds often with a fleshy arillode.

Worldwide: 131 genera and 1,450 species, tropical and warm areas with a few in temperate zones.

Zimbabwe: 17 genera and 27 taxa.