A small family of 11 genera and 100 species widespread in north temperate regions. Shrubs or trees. Plants synoecious or dioecious.
Flowers perfect or imperfect, regular.
Sepals 4 or 4, distinct or basally connate. Petals 4 or 5, distinct. Fruit a drupe or berry. Little economic importance, mostly as ornamentals. Riccinus A pantropical family of 300 genera and 750 species, sparingly represented in temperate areas.