Euphorbiaceae

Trees, shrubs, herbs, climbers, succulents

Leaves usually alternate and simple; margin entire or serrate; stipule often present; usually glands on petiole or lamina base; petioles often of clearly different lengths.

Flowers bisexual or unisexual; may be dioecious. Flower morphology variable, but radially symmetric; numerous stamens, sometimes in fascicles. Usually 5 sepals, 0 or 5 petals; 1-many stamens. Flowers usually unisexual, plants monoecious or dioecious. Ovary superior.

Fruit a drupe or usually a 3- lobed schizocarp.