Rhamnaceae
Fls us. perig., small, perfect, regular, in axillary corymbose cymes or fascicles, 5-(4)-merous; sepals valvate; petals us. clawed, sts 0. Stamens opp. petals, outside disk lining rim of receptacle; anthers 2-celled, dehiscing lengthwise. Ovary 2-4-carpelled, superior or apparently inferior; ovules 1-(2) per locule, with basal placenta. Fr. drupaceous or capsular, the carpels separating into cocci; seeds with large embryo. Mostly trees, shrubs or woody lianes with us. alt., simple, stipulate lvs. Widely distributed family of some 45 genera and 550 spp.
