Trees or shrubs. Stipules present. Leaves alternate, petiolate, entire, with an extra-floral nectary at the base of the midrib on the upper leaf surface (appearing as a pale or dark, often reddish, circular patch). Flowers bisexual, actinomorphic. Sepals 5, accrescent. Petals 5. Stamens numerous. Ovary
superior, (1-)3-locular. Carpels 3, 2-ovulate. Fruit
1-seeded, indehiscent, surrounded by the 5 large wings of the accrescent calyx. Worldwide: 16 genera and 680 species, tropical, especially Malesia. Zimbabwe: 1 genus and 3 taxa. |
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