Hydrangea L.
Evergreen or deciduous shrubs, sometimes climbers. Lvs opposite, simple, often large, serrate or lobed, sometimes dotted with oil glands. Infl. terminal, corymbose or paniculate, sometimes enclosed in bud by large, ovate bracts. Calyx inconspicuous in fertile fls, that of sterile fls often with 3-5 spreading and petal-like sepals. Petals of fertile fls 4-5, white, blue or pink; petals of sterile fls often 0. Stamens usually 8-10. Ovary inferior. Capsule small, opening at top between persistent styles.
80 spp., E. Asia, Philippines, Java, N. and S. America. Naturalised sp. 1.
