Habit: herbs, shrubs or trees
Leaves: opposite (alternate), simple to pinnate or deeply divided, stipulate.
Inflorescence: variously cymose or solitary flowers
Flowers: perfect (imperfect), regular
Sepals:4(-5) distinct, or basally connate
Petals:(0) 4(-5) distinct, sometimes basally connate
Stamens: 10 (3-15), distinct
Ovary: superior of 5 (2-6) carpels, connate; with 2-12 locules and 1-2 (-many) axile ovules per locule. Style 1, undivided
Fruit: capsule, schizocarp, berry or drupe.
Diversity: 27-30 genera, 250 species
Distribution: arid tropics and subtropics