Microfossils from the Upper Cretaceous and fossil fruits from the Eocene. Inflorescence of very small small flowers borne on a spadix. Several spadices may form a raceme or umbel. Fruit a berry or drupe. Seeds with endosperm present.
Placentation is basal or parietal.
Habit is as shrubs, lianas or trees with tall stems and stout advantitous 'prop' roots. Leaves simple, long and stiff with spiny margins and alternate in three or four ranks. Stem is twisted to give a spiral appearance to groups of leaves. Leaf bases are sheathed. Stipules are lacking.