Shrubs [or trees], with simple hairs. Leaves with closely spaced oblique secondary veins. Inflorescences axillary, 1-3-flowered. Flowers bisexual. Torus conic. Sepals 3, valvate, united at base. Petals 6, in 2 whorls, with each whorl valvate, flat; outer petals slightly longer than or ± as long as inner. Stamens many; anther locules cuneate; connectives apically rhomboidal. Carpels 2-7(-12), sessile, villous; ovules several per carpel, in 2 series; stigmas sessile, subcapitate. Fruit apocarpous; monocarps 1-3[-5], usually sessile, ovoid [oblong or ellipsoid]. Seeds [several to] many per monocarp.

About nine species: S and SE Asia; one species (endemic) in China.

(Authors: Li Bingtao (李秉滔 Li Ping-tao); Michael G. Gilbert)