Shrubs, herbs or climbers, sometimes spiny. Stipules 0. Leaves opposite or alternate (Bougainvillea), simple. Inflorescences various. Flowers bisexual or unisexual, actinomorphic. Bracts present, sometimes brightly coloured. Perianth: lower part persistent, usually green, upper part often petal-like and coloured, sometimes caducous. Stamens 1-many. Ovary superior, 1-locular. Fruit indehiscent, usually composed of the persistent accrescent basal part of the perianth enclosing an achene. Worldwide: 30 genera and 390 species, tropical and warm areas, especially America, a few temperate. |
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