Trees and shrubs. Leaves opposite, rarely whorled; margin serrate in upper half or entire. Inflorescence 1-4-flowered, lax or congested or in dense congested fascicles. Petals clawed, linear or spathulate, usually laciniate above. Stamens many. Ovary superior to subinferior. Fruit a capsule; seeds 2-4, arillate.
Worldwide: 40 species in tropical America, tropical and South Africa, Madagascar and Sri Lanka