Large tree with thick, rough trunk; leaves opposite, rarely alternate, coriaceous, ovate-oblong, acuminate or obtuse, cuneate, closely nerved; flowers many, small, creamy white, sweet scented, crowded in heads at the ends of lax panicled cyme arising from the branches below the leaves; calyx tube turbinate or funnel shaped, obscurely 4, rarely 5-lobed; petals 4 or 5, off-white, concave, spreading or united into a calyptra; stamens numerous in many rows, much exerted, free or slightly connate, filaments filiform, anthers versatile; ovary 2, rarely 3-celled; style filiform; stigma small, ovules many; fruits indehiscent, berry or drupe like, 1-seeded, often oblong, dark purple, juicy.