Trees, herbs or shrubs, rarely climbers, succulents or aquatics. Leaves simple, alternate, rarely opposite, absent in some Phyllanthus species; margins entire, rarely toothed. Stipules usually present. Sap absent. Inflorescence axillary, rarely terminal; consisting of cymes, racemes, panicles, fascicles or solitary flowers. Flowers unisexual, rarely bisexual; actinomorphic; bracteate, usually yellow to green or pink to maroon. Sepals free or fused, usually imbricate or valvate. Petals free or absent. Ovary superior; carpels fused. Fruit usually a capsule or schizocarp, or a drupe or berry. Worldwide: 54-60 genera and c. 2000 species mostly pantropical but also many in southern temperate zones and some northern temperate Caprivi: 10 cultivated genera and 32 cultivated taxa. |
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