Trees, bisexual. Leaves alternate, imparipinnate or paripinnate, stipulate or (in Bretschneidera, not in Australia) stipules reduced/absent; leaflets usually opposite or subopposite, petiolulate, serrate or (in Bretschneidera) entire, venation pinnate. Inflorescence an axillary or supra-axillary panicle or (in Bretschneidera) a terminal loose raceme of many flowers on distinct pedicels; bracts minute or lacking. Flowers actinomorphic or (in Bretschneidera) somewhat zygomorphic. Calyx 5-lobed. Petals 5, longer than sepals, free or partly adnate to calyx, in Bretschneidera the petals are broadly spathulate to obovate-cuneate with one petal forming a hood above the stamens and style. Stamens (5–) 8–10 in two whorls, in Bretschneidera 8 stamens attached to a thin annular nectary disc at base of petals and together with the style form a bundle that is bent towards the adaxial side of the flower. Ovary superior, 3 (–5)-locular; ovules 2 per locule, pendulous; placentation axile; style simple. Fruit a loculicidal capsule, pubescent, valves 3 (–5), dehiscent. Seeds few, endospermic or (in Bretschneidera) endosperm reduced/absent.
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