Seeds with a small plumule and a radicle. Placentation is variously axile, basal or parietal. Habit is as shrubs, lianas or trees with and unbranched trunk or stem. Individuals may be up to 60 meters in height, or remain shorter. Leaves are simple to palmately or pinnately lobed or compound and alternate or crowded around the trunk apex.
Petioles have a sheathing base.
Stipules are lacking.