Monoecious shrubs or trees, hairless, with milky latex. Stipules linear. Leaves alternate, simple, without glands; margin serrate or entire, often with 1-2 marginal glands. Inflorescence a terminal elongate spike, lax at maturity, all male or with 1(-2) female flowers at the base. Male flowers: calyx open in bud, 3(-4)-lobed; petals 0; stamens 2-3. Female flowers: calyx 3(-4)-lobed; petals 0; ovary 3-lobed, each lobe with 2 appendages; styles 3.
Fruit 3-lobed, dehiscent. Seeds smooth, ecarunculate. Worldwide: 6 species in tropical and South Africa and Madagascar Zimbabwe: 1 cultivated taxon. |
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