Shrubs and trees. Leaves often of two types: juvenile, which are horizontal, opposite, cordate and sessile; and adult, which are usually vertical, alternate, petiolate and elongate. Inflorescence a cyme, often consisting of few to many umbels. Perianth modified to form an operculum which falls off when the stamens expand. Stamens numerous. Ovary inferior, 3-6-locular.
Fruit a hard and woody capsule. Worldwide: c. 600 species, almost entirely confined to Australia Malawi: 4 cultivated taxa. The larvae of the following species of insect eat species of this genus: |
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