Shrubs or trees, evergreen, dioecious. Leaves opposite (decussate), simple; stipules absent; petiole present, <basally connate with that of opposite leaf>; blade margins entire, serrate, or dentate; venation pinnate. Inflorescences unisexual, axillary aments or terminal panicles. Flowers unisexual; perianth epigynous; hypanthium absent (staminate flowers), completely adnate to ovary (pistillate flowers); sepals 2, 4, or rudimentary, distinct or connate proximally; petals 0 or 4, distinct; nectary absent or present, <intrastaminal, sometimes rudimentary>; stamens 4, distinct, free; anthers dehiscing by longitudinal slits; pistil 1, 1-carpellate, ovary inferior, 1-locular, placentation apical; ovules 1–2 per locule, anatropous; styles 1–2(–3), distinct; stigmas 1–2(–3). Fruits drupes or berries. Seeds 1–2 per fruit.
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