Large shrub or small tree; leaves alternate, simple, oblong, usually obtuse, sometimes acuminate, base tapering into short petiole; glaucous beneath, pubescent when young, glabrous afterwards, slightly scented; flowers solitary or in groups, inserted on short, lateral peduncles, pubescent, drooping, shortly stalked; sepals-3; petals 3+3, narrow, oblong with concave base; stamens many, free, closely packed, anther cells produced; carpels indefinite, connate, ovule solitary; stigma oblong, style slender; fruit 5-15 cm across, globose to ovoid, greenish yellow, fleshy, areolate with 5-corners, embossed with prominent, elevated, hexagonal scales, filled with pulpy pericarp; seeds many, arillate, brown or black.