Escalloniaceae R.Br. ex Dumort.

Monoecious annual herbs (Eremosyne) or shrubs or small trees. Leaves alternate, opposite (Polyosma) or appearing whorled, simple, entire to pinnatifid, petiolate; stipules absent. Inflorescences axillary or terminal racemes or panicles or flowers solitary (not in Australia). Flowers bisexual, rarely unisexual (not in Australia), actinomorphic. Sepals fused, 4–9. Petals free, 4–9, imbricate or valvate in bud. Stamens 4–9, alternating with the petals; filaments free; anthers 2-locular, dehiscing by longitudinal slits. Nectary disc present or absent. Ovary inferior to superior, 2 (–5)-carpellate, 1–3 (–5)-locular; ovules one to numerous per locule; styles simple or of two stylodia; placentation parietal or axile to basal (Eremosyne). Fruit a septicidal or loculicdal capsule or a drupe (Polyosma) or dry and indehiscent (Valdivia). Seeds 1 (Polyosma) or 2 (Eremosyne) to many, with endosperm, rarely winged (Anopterus).

Some Escallonia, particularly cultivars of E. rubra, are grown as ornamentals, valued for their colourful flower displays, hardiness in many different climates and positions, and their thick growth which makes them useful as a hedging plant.