Trees or large shrubs with scaly bark. Lvs linear, those on the spreading branches (excluding erect vegetative and juvenile shoots) arranged in 2 ranks with upper surfaces ± in 1 plane. Winter buds with imbricate scales. ♂ fls solitary in axils of the preceeding year's lvs, subglobose, each consisting of 6-10-(14), peltate or shield-shaped anthers; anthers with 4-9 pollen sacs (anther cells). ♀ fls axillary, usually solitary, rarely paired, with several imbricate scales; ovuliferous scale terminal, bearing 1 erect ovule. Seed bony, surrounded by a cup-shaped, red, fleshy aril, ripening in first year.