Description from Flora of China Trees, tall, deciduous. Leaves
in spirals, usually odd-pinnate; leaflets opposite to
subopposite; leaflet blades with margin entire or ± serrate.
Inflorescences subterminal thyrses. Flowers usually appearing
bisexual, small. Calyx short, 4- or 5-lobed. Petals 5, distinct,
adnate to disk. Stamens 5, distinct, inserted on apex of disk
and alternate with petals; filaments conic; anthers versatile,
base cordate; staminodes absent. Disk thick, lobed. Ovary
5-locular, usually with 8-14 seeds per locule; stigma discoid.
Fruit a septifragal capsule with 5 valves. Seeds numerous, flat,
apical end winged. About eight species: tropical America; one
species (introduced) in China. (Authors: Peng Hua (彭华); David J.
Mabberley)