Trees and shrubs, with milky latex
(sometimes produced rather reluctantly); branching pattern
repeatedly subterminal. Indumentum of
microscopic T-shaped, Y-shaped or medifixed hairs, often
reddish-brown on young leaves and branchlets. Stipules present
or 0. Leaves alternate, often clustered at ends of
branches, simple, petiolate, entire. Flowers usually
solitary or in fascicles, in leaf axils or on older wood, bisexual,
rarely unisexual by reduction, actinomorphic. Calyx in 1 row,
5-merous or with 2 rows of 3 segments each (Manilkara) or
4 segments each (Mimusops, Vitellariopsis). Corolla
gamopetalous; petals simple or with two appendages. Stamens
inserted in the corolla tube. Ovary superior. Fruit a berry (in
ours) with sticky, often edible, pulp. Seeds ±
flattened-ellipsoid with shiny testa. Worldwide: 53 genera and 975 species, tropical, few temperate. |
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