The genus consists of trees, shrubs or shrublets. They have leaves that are not crowded at the ends of the branches, imparipinnate. With leaflets opposite or alternate (spaced), sometimes with scattered thickenings or depressions. The flowers are unisexual or
bisexual. The inflorescences are axillary or terminal or paniculate. The carpels are 1-ovulate. They have 6–9 petals, which are imbricate (overlapping). The ovary in bisexual flowers is similar but much larger. The calyx is irregularly and sometimes shallowly 2–4-lobed. They generally have a
vestigial ovary in the male flowers which is sunk in the disk, of 5
carpels with very short connate styles and 5 stigmas. They normally have 10 stamens but can have up to 12–14, with 5 opposing the petals and somewhat shorter. The flower disk is thick and fleshy, ± 10-ribbed or -lobed. The fruit (or seed capsule) consists of 1–3 disruptive
mericarps. ==Taxonomy==