Flora of New Zealand Series

Usually arborescent, stout (and mostly unbranched) to slender, some-times scandent and shrubby; usually monoecious, occasionally dioecious or bisexual. Leaves usually in terminal crowns, often very large, pinnate or palmate; leaflets narrow. Inflorescence usually paniculate, below or amongst leaves; spathes one or more, usually large. Flowers small, actionomorphic, ± sessile, commonly unisexual, ♂ and ♀ sometimes in one inflorescence; sepals 3, free or connate; petals 3, free or connate. Stamens usually 6 in 2 whorls; anthers 2 celled, dehiscing by longitudinal slits. Ovary superior, 1-3-celled or 3 carpels separate; ovule usually solitary. Fruit a berry or drupe. Over 200 genera and c. 2500 spp., mainly of tropics and subtropics.