Trees [shrubs]; trunks often fluted; indumentum of simple hairs. Leaves often subdistichous; stipules deciduous [persistent]; blade base oblique [rarely symmetrical]. Pedicels present. Staminate flowers: sepals 4–5[–7]; nectary intrastaminal, lobed [annular]; stamens 1–2 times number of sepals [or –50]; pistillode ± rudimentary. Pistillate flowers: sepals 4–5[–7]; nectary annular or lobed [absent]; styles 1 mm or less; stigmas dilated [2-fid, reniform, or subpeltate]. x = 10.

Distribution

Fla., Mexico, West Indies, Central America, South America, Asia, Africa, Indian Ocean Islands, Pacific Islands, Australia, tropical and subtropical regions.

Discussion

Species ca. 200 (2 in the flora).

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

Drypetes diversifolia, Drypetes lateriflora

Key

1	Ovaries 2-carpellate; stigmas 2; drupes red-orange at maturity, endocarps 0.5 mm thick, brittle; stamens 4(–5); leaves thick-papery, apices usually abruptly acute to acuminate, venation finely reticulate; buds not resinous.	Drypetes lateriflora
1	Ovaries 1-carpellate; stigma 1; drupes white at maturity, endocarps 1–2 mm thick, bony; stamens 8(–10); leaves leathery, apices usually rounded to obtuse, if acute, not abruptly so, venation coarsely reticulate; buds resinous.	Drypetes diversifolia