Herbs or shrubs. Leaves simple, alternate or opposite, entire to serrate; stipules present or absent. Flowers bisexual, regular, in cymose or racemose clusters. Sepals 5, free or connate below. Petals 5, free, imbricate or con¬torted, fugaceous. Glands present or absent, opposite the petals. Stamens 5-10, sometimes alternating with staminodes; filaments free or connate at the base. Ovary superior, 2-5 locular, each locule often sub-divided into two by a complete or an incomplete secondary septum; placentation axile, 1-2 ovules per locule; styles 3-5. Fruit a septicidal capsule or a drupe; seeds 1-2 in each locule. compressed, shiny.