Trees, shrubs or herbs with various glandular secretions. Leaves simple, almost always entire, usually opposite or rarely alternate or whorled, exstipulate. Inflorescence various. Flowers hermaphrodite, actinomorphic. Sepals (2-)4-5(-6), imbricate. Petals 4-5(-10), free, contorted in bud. Stamens indefinite, free or in 4-5(-10), free or variously united fascicles, sometimes with the antesepalous fascicles sterile. Ovary superior, 1-12-locular, with axile or parietal placentation; ovules numerous to solitary; styles 1-6 or absent, stigmas 1-12, Fruit a capsule, berry or drupe. Seeds numerous to solitary, without endosperm.