Trees or shrubs, stellate-hairy. Leaves simple, alternate (in ours), entire. Inflorescences of dense axillary capitula or spikes. Calyx 4-5-lobed. Petals 4-5, linear-spathulate with revolute margins; said to be 0 in female flowers. Stamens equal in number to petals. Ovary inferior to almost superior. Styles 2. Fruit a woody 2-vavlved capsule.