Trees, shrubs or herbs, often with resinous sap and translucent, black or red glands. Lvs opposite, rarely alternate or whorled, simple, exstipulate. Fls mostly in terminal cymose panicles (dichasia, monochasia, thyrses) or solitary, actinomorphic, unisexual or ☿, occasionally distylous. Sepals 2-6, rarely more, imbricate. Petals 2-6, rarely more, imbricate or nearly so, sometimes contorted in bud. Stamens usually numerous, free or united, often in antipetalous bundles; staminodes often present in ♀ fls. Ovary superior, 1-many-locular. Placentae axile, basal or parietal. Ovules 1-numerous per loculus. Styles free, connate, or 0. Fr. a capsule, berry or drupe. Seeds with or without an aril, non-endospermic.