Shrubs or trees; leaves simple or (usually) pinnate; alternate (rarely opposite); stipules none; flowers perfect or unisexual; sepals 3-7; petals 3-7 (or none); stamens 3-14; carpels 2-5, free or variously united, superior; ovules usually 1 (rarely a few) per cell on axile placentae; fruit a drupe, berry, or samara. 20 genera.