Trees or shrubs. Leaves opposite, gland-dotted. Inflorescence 1-3-flowered, axillary. Calyx unlobed before anthesis, enclosing the flower bud, later splitting into 4-5 lobes. Petals 4-5. Stamens numerous, free. Ovary 4-5-locular. Fruit a berry; seeds numerous. Derivation of name: A Greek name, formerly for the pomegranate because of the similarity of the fruits Worldwide: 100 species in tropical America Mozambique: 1 taxon. |