Shrubs or trees, usually evergreen. Lvs alternate, rarely opposite, simple, usually green, leathery; stipules very small. Fls ☿ or unisexual, actinomorphic, usually in axillary cymes or fascicles, rarely solitary or racemose. Calyx usually 4-toothed. Petals usually 4, free or connate at base. Stamens 4; filaments free, or united at base; anthers 2-locular; disc 0. Ovary superior, 3- or more locular; style terminal or 0; ovules 1-(2) per loculus, pendulous. Fr. a berry of 3 or more, 1-seeded pyrenes. Seeds with copious endosperm.