Description: Deciduous, stellate-pubescent shrubs, rarely evergreen, branches opposite.
Leaves opposite, simple, dentate or serrate, exstipulate, shortly petiolate.
Flowers in terminal panicles or cymes or solitary and axillary, epigynous. Calyx-tube adnate to ovary, with 5 teeth. Petals 5, white, valvate or imbricate. Stamens 10, shorter than petals, in 2 unequal whorls, filaments winged, apically toothed. Styles 3–5, free. Ovary inferior, globose or ovoid, 3–5-celled; ovules numerous, axillary.
Capsule 3–5-valved; Seeds numerous, minute.
Distribution and occurrence: About 70 spp., native of the Himalayas and South and East Asia. Widely cultivated around the world as ornamentals.
Text by K.D. Hill Taxon concept:
One species in NSW: Deutzia crenata |
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