Fls 5-merous, perfect, in racemes, spikes, fascicles, or solitary. Calyx ± tubular, lobes imbricate; petals perig., long-clawed; claws connate into tube, but free at base; disk thin, lining calyx-tube. Stamen alt. with petals; anthers 2-celled, opening lengthwise. Ovary superior 2-5-celled; styles 2-5; ovules basal. Fr. of 2-5 1-seeded cocci separating from a central column; endosperm fleshy. Two genera: , 1 sp. of E. Australia; , some 15 spp. of N.Z., Australia, Philippine Is. The N.Z. sp. endemic.

Shrubs, trees or woody climbers. Lvs alternate or opposite, simple; stipules small or 0. Infl. usually cymose. Fls ☿ or unisexual, actinomorphic, 4-5-merous, with a well marked fleshy disc. Petals usually small and greenish, rarely 0. Calyx and petals usually imbricate, rarely valvate. Stamens usually 4-5, very rarely 10, opposite calyx lobes. Ovary superior, 1-5-locular; ovules 1-2-(many) in each loculus. Stigma capitate or 2-5-lobed. Fr. a loculicidal or indehiscent capsule, samara, drupe or berry. Seeds often surrounded by an aril; embryo straight, surrounded by endosperm.