Lianes, mostly climbing by lf-opposed tendrils, rarely erect shrubs. Lvs usually alternate, the lower sometimes opposite, simple or compound; stipules petiolar or 0. Infls lf-opposed or terminal; fls in cymes, these mostly in panicles, ☿ or unisexual, usually 4-5-merous, actinomorphic, small. Calyx entire or lobed, often cupulate, very small. Petals free or united distally and then forming a cap, valvate, caducous. Stamens 4-5, antipetalous, inserted at base of hypogynous disc. Ovary superior, 2-(6)-celled; ovules 1-2 in each cell; style 1, usually short; stigma capitate or lobed. Fr. a berry with 2-4 seeds. Seed endospermic.