Inflorescence a solitary flower or in cymes or racemes. Some inflorescences are modified into axillary tendrils. Perigynous with a saucer - shaped hypanthium. Fruit a capsule or berry. Seed with a fleshy aril and endosperm present.
Placentation is parietal.
Habit is as a herbs or woody vines or less commonly as trees or shrubs. Stipules small and deciduous.