Shrubs or subshrubs. Leaves opposite, rarely alternate apically on stem. Inflorescence terminal, a corymbose cyme or panicle. Flowers bisexual. Calyx tube adnate to ovary, obconical; lobes 5(or 6). Petals 5(or 6), variously colored, induplicate-valvate in bud. Stamens 4-10(-20); filaments filiform or subulate; anthers ellipsoid to ovoid, 2-loculed. Ovary semi-inferior to subinferior, incompletely 3-5-loculed; placentation parietal; ovules numerous. Styles 2-6, free or connate only at base, divergent; stigma oblong to subglobose. Fruit a fleshy berry, 1-valved, slightly dry. Seeds ovoid, minute; seed coat membranous, reticulate; embryo surrounded by fleshy endosperm.

Twelve species: mainly in E Asia and adjacent islands; six species (four endemic) in China.

(Authors: Huang Shumei (Hwang Shu-mei); Bruce Bartholomew)