Subshrubs, shrubs or small trees. Lvs alternate, pinnately compound with intrapetiolar, often large, stipules. Infl. racemose. Fls usually ☿, rarely unisexual, zygomorphic. Calyx (4)-5-lobed; segments unequal, imbricate. Petals (4)-5, free, unequal, clawed. Disc not forming a complete ring, lining inside of calyx. Stamens 4-(6), inserted within disc, free or connate, declinate; anthers 2-locular. Ovary 4-5-celled, superior; style 1. Placentation axillary with ovules 1-4 in each cell. Fr. a papery, leathery or woody capsule, with loculicidal dehiscence by 4-5 valves or confined to apex. Seed endospermic.