Small trees, erect or scandent shrubs. Leaves simple, alternate, spirally arranged, often 2-pseudoseriate, entire; stipules 2, deciduous; petiole short. Flowers small, bisexual or rarely unisexual, in axillary cymes. Pedicel articulated at apex. Sepals 5, imbricate, slightly united at base, differing in size, or equal. Petals 5, free, ± spatulate, apex 2-lobed or subentire. Stamens 5, equal. Glands 5, or disk undulate. Ovary superior, 2- or 3-locular; style free or ± connate. Drupe often pubescent, orange or yellow when fresh; exocarp thin, slightly fleshy; endocarp crustaceous. Seed 1.

About 100 species: primarily in tropical and subtropical regions; two species in China.