Shrubs or small trees, deciduous or evergreen. Leaves opposite, simple, entire, glabrous. Flowers white or cream-coloured, in terminal usually thyrsoid panicles. Calyx campanulate, shortly 4-toothed or truncate. Corolla lobes 4. Stamens 2, attached to the tube; anthers exserted or included. Fruit a berry-like drupe; seeds 1-3, not winged.