Trees or shrubs, sometimes climbing (itea). Leaves simple, alternate,; margins often spiny toothed or entire; Petioles Present. Stipules tiny or absent. Inflorescences racemes, cymes, corymbs (pterostemon) or panicles (itea). Flowers bisexual, rarely polygamous; actinomorphic. Sepals free or basally fused. Petls free, persistent, clawed (Pterostemon). Stamens alternating with petals (Itea) or sepals (Pterostemon). Ovary superior to part inferior (Itea), or inferior (Pterostemon); carpals fused. Fruit a capsule. Worldwide: 2 genera and 18 species in eastern USA, Africa and Southeast Asia. Zimbabwe: 1 genus and 1 taxon. |
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