Dioecious shrubs. Wood without resin ducts. Leaves opposite, reduced. Male flowers in ± ovoid spikes with usually 2 connate bracts and 1‑3 sporangia. Female flowers 2, enclosed by a membranous 2‑partite or‑fid sheath, surrounded at base by numerous imbricate bracts. Fruit usually red, berry‑like. Seeds 2.