Trees or shrubs, sometimes climbing, usually dioecious, usually deciduous, sometimes evergreen but not in N.Z. Sap resinous or milky. Lvs usually imparipinnate, sometimes 3-foliolate or simple. Panicles terminal or axillary, bracteate. Calyx 5-partite; segments imbricate, sometimes unequal. Petals 5, ± imbricate, inconspicuous. ♂ fls with 5 stamens and rudimentary pistil. ♀ fls 1-celled; styles 3; stigmas ± capitate. Drupe globose or compressed; exocarp thin, glabrous or hairy; mesocarp resinous; endocarp ± bony; stigmas often persistent.