Trees or shrubs. Stipules absent. Leaves alternate or subopposite, odd-pinnate; leaflets nearly opposite. Inflorescences axillary or rameal, cymes or panicles. Flowers small or medium-sized, fragrant. Sepals red, semifleshy, basally connate. Petals white, pink, or purple, contorted. Stamens all fertile or 5 without anthers. Ovary several ovules per locule. Fruit a berry, oblong, usually 5-lobed. Seeds few or numerous, naked or arillate.

Two species: tropical Asia; two species (introduced) in China.