Achariaceae

Trees or shrubs. Leaves simple, alternate. Petioles often swollen at base. Stipules present. Inflorescence of axillary solitary flowers, panicles, racemes or fascicles, sometimes cauliflorous. Flowers actinomorphic, disk absent. Perianth spirally arranged of distinct sepals and petals. Sepals and petals free or basally fused; petals often white or papery or with a conspicuous basal scale. Stamens opposite the petals or irregularly placed, filaments usually free. Ovary superior; carpels fused, placentation parietal. Fruit a berry or capsule; often warty, winged or with bristles or spines.

Comment: According to the most recent taxonomic research by the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (APG-III), this family includes a number of genera formerly placed within the now defunct family Flacourtiaceae. Kiggelaria has tentatively been placed here as well but its true relationships are still unclear.

Worldwide: 32 genera and 150 species, mainly in tropical Africa and Asia with some genera in the neotropics.

Zimbabwe: 3 genera and 3 taxa.