Trees or shrubs. Leaves simple, alternate, stipulate. Inflorescence mixed cymose or racemose. Flowers solitary, axillary, often in clusters, unisexual or bisexual. Peduncle often jointed. Petals present or lacking. Stamens numerous, sometimes with staminodes; anthers dehiscing by slits. Ovary unilocular or multilocular with Parietal Placentae. Fruit a berry or a drupe. Seeds 1 to many, usually with aril.