Fls perfect, zygomorphic, axillary, solitary or in reduced cymes. Calyx 5-cleft; corolla 5-lobed; stamens 4, inserted on corolla-tube at base of lobes (a staminode sts present); anthers 2-celled, cells often divergent. Ovary superior, us. 2-loculed; ovules 2-4-8 per locule, pend.; style simple. Fr. drupaceous or baccate. Shrubs or trees with us. alt., exstipulate, gland-dotted lvs. Some 5 genera and 110 spp., mainly Australian, but extending to Malaya.

Shrubs or small to medium-sized trees. Lvs exstipulate, simple, usually alternate. Fls axillary, ebracteate, solitary or in cymose clusters, ☿, zygomorphic. Calyx usually 5-lobed, accrescent. Corolla 4-5-lobed; lobes imbricate, almost equal or forming 2 lips; upper lip or lobes exterior to lower in bud. Stamens usually 4, inserted on corolla tube at base of lobes; staminode sometimes present. Anthers 2-celled; cells often divergent. Ovary superior, with 2-(5) carpels; carpels often becoming 2-locular. Ovules 1-8 per loculus, anatropous. Style simple. Fr. usually a drupe, sometimes baccate, sometimes almost dry; endocarp bony. Seeds with little endosperm; embryo straight.