Trees or shrubs, unarmed or spiny. Stipules minute or 0. Leaves opposite, simple, often coriaceous. Inflorescence of dense axillary or terminal fascicles or panicles. Flowers usually 4-merous, bisexual or unisexual. Calyx-lobes 2-4. Petals 4. Stamens 4. Ovary 1-2-locular. Fruit a berry or drupe.
Worldwide: 3 genera and 11 species, occurring in warm and often dry places in the Old World.