Trees or shrubs, sometimes very small and rhizomatous. Stipules present. Leaves alternate, simple. Flowers bisexual, actinomorphic, (rarely ± zygomorphic); pedicels usually articulated. Inflorescences various. Sepals (4-)5, often accrescent. Petals 5 (rarely up to 12), free, deciduous. Stamens 5-many; staminodes sometimes present. Carpels (3-)5-15, apparently free at the base. Styles gynobasic. Fruit (in ours) comprising (3-)4-12 free, black, 1-seeded, fleshy drupelets, borne on a ± fleshy receptacle. Worldwide: 28 genera and 370 species in the tropics, especially in Brazil |
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