An adaxial hypodermis is present, the mesophyll contains sclerencymatous idioblasts, and minor leaf veins are without phloem transfer cells. The individual flowers are arranged in open, racemose to paniculate inflorescences which are borne either terminal or axillary on branchlets. Flowers are sexually dimorphic. The staminate flowers have a campanulate hypanthium and are always petaliferous. The petals are yellow to greenish-yellow, reflexed at anthesis, and quickly caducous.
Anthers are opposite the sepals and alternating with the petals.
The pistillate flowers in a few species do not develop petals. The epigynous disc is not unlike those found in Araliaceae. Pollen shed as single grains. All members of the family are dioecious. The gynoecium of staminate flowers is absent and no rudimentary stamens are found in the pistillate flowers.