Flora of New Zealand Series

Herbs, shrubs or trees, occasionally climbers. Lvs simple, usually opposite and decussate, rarely whorled, characteristically with 3-7 strong longitudinal veins and horizontal transverse veins between; stipules 0. Infl. of various forms of cyme, sometimes fls solitary. Fls ⚥, with perianth (but not stamens and style) actinomorphic, often large and conspicuous, with an urn-shaped calyx tube (hypanthium) bearing sepals, petals and stamens. Calyx free or adnate to ovary; lobes usually 4-5, usually imbricate, rarely valvate. Petals usually 4-5, imbricate, usually free, rarely united at base. Stamens usually twice, sometimes as many as petals, equal or unequal; filaments free, often geniculate and inflexed; anthers basifixed, usually opening by a single pore; connective thickened, often with basal elongated appendages. Ovary usually inferior, (1)-4-5-(many)-locular. Ovules numerous; placentae usually axile, rarely basal or parietal; style and stigma 1. Fr. a berry or capsule. Seeds numerous, usually minute, non-endospermic.

c. 240 genera, 3000 spp., tropical and subtropical regions.

Apart from spp. in the 2 genera below, the family is rather uncommon in cultivation in N.Z. Their distinctive lf venation and stamens are diagnostic.