Trees, tall, deciduous. Leaves in spirals, usually odd-pinnate; leaflets opposite to subopposite; leaflet blades with margin entire or ± serrate. Inflorescences subterminal thyrses. Flowers usually appearing bisexual, small. Calyx short, 4- or 5-lobed. Petals 5, distinct, adnate to disk. Stamens 5, distinct, inserted on apex of disk and alternate with petals; filaments conic; anthers versatile, base cordate; staminodes absent. Disk thick, lobed. Ovary 5-locular, usually with 8-14 seeds per locule; stigma discoid. Fruit a septifragal capsule with 5 valves. Seeds numerous, flat, apical end winged.

About eight species: tropical America; one species (introduced) in China.

(Authors: Peng Hua (彭华); David J. Mabberley)