Trees or shrubs. Leaves leathery to almost leathery, densely lateral veined; stipules early deciduous. Flowers axillary, clustered. Sepals 6, in 2 whorls. Corolla lobes 6, outside each with 2 lobular appendages. Stamens 6; staminodes 6, alternating with corolla lobes, ovate, apex acuminate, irregularly serrate, fimbriate to lobate. Ovary 6--14-locular. Fruit a berry, 1--6-seeded. Seeds compressed, scar lateral and elongate.

About 65 species: tropical America, Africa, Asia, Pacific Islands; one species in China.