Description: Shrubs or small trees, glabrous or almost so; mostly monoecious.
Leaves alternate, pinnately veined, petiolate.
Inflorescence axillary, raceme-like. Flowers usually unisexual. Hypanthium fused to ovary. Sepals 4 or 5, shed early. Petals 0, 4 or 5. Stamens 5; filaments longer than anthers. Disc absent. Ovary superior, 2–4-locular; style 2–4-branched.
Fruit drupaceous, containing 2–4 nutlets.
Distribution and occurrence: World: c. 100 species, Europe, Asia, Africa & America. Australia: 1 species (naturalized).
Text by G. J. Harden
Taxon concept:
| One species in NSW: Rhamnus alaternus |
|
