Trees or shrubs, glabrous. Stipules ± united and intrapetiolar. Leaves alternate, simple, entire. Flowers axillary, solitary or in fascicles, actinomorphic, bisexual. Sepals 5, valvate, ± united. Petals 5, free, each with (in ours) an adaxial ligule-like nectar-bearing appendage. Stamens 10, usually forming a tube. Ovary superior, 2-3-locular with 1 ovule per loculus. Fruit a 1-seeded fleshy drupe. Worldwide: 4 genera and 240 species, tropical zones, mostly America. Zimbabwe: 1 genus and 2 taxa. |
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