Sepals 4–7, coriaceous. Petals as many or fewer. Stamens indefinite, free or very slightly coherent below; filaments dilated at the apex; anther-cells minute, on the margin of the dilated connective, approximate or distinct at the apex, more or less divergent or nearly parallel below, dehiscing longitudinally. Carpels free, usually 3, with several or numerous ovules upon the ventral suture, when ripe coriaceous, dehiscing by both sutures or by the ventral suture only. Seeds 1–5 in each carpel; arillus laciniate. —Usually climbing shrubs, with denticulate or entire, often scabrous leaves, the lateral nerves parallel with the margin. Flowers usually white, paniculate; panicles terminal and from the axils of the upper leaves.