Description: Shrubs or trees, dioecious.
Leaves alternate, hairy, usually crowded in pseudowhorls at the end of shoots below scaly buds; leaves usually 3-veined from near base, fine venation areolate. Umbels in ± sessile axillary clusters, often ramiflorous, several-flowered, surrounded by bracts that usually persist until flowers open.
Flowers unisexual, 2-merous. Perianth segments 4. Stamens 6 in 2 whorls, anthers 4-locular, dehiscence introrse; staminodes 6 in female flowers, the inner whorl with glands.
Drupe globose; receptacle expanding to form a shallow disc-like cupule at the base of the fruit, with or without the perianth attached, pedicel elongating during fruit development.
Distribution and occurrence: World: c. 80 species, Asia, Malesia, Australia. Australia: 3 species (endemic), Qld, N.S.W., N.T.
Text by G. J. Harden
Taxon concept:
| | Key to the species | |
| 1 | Mature petioles covered with crooked hairs, usually less than 15 mm long; branchlets, petioles and at least main veins on lower surface of leaves hairy with brownish hairs | Neolitsea dealbata |
| Mature petioles glabrous, generally more than 15 mm long; branchlets and leaves glabrous except when very young and then covered with straight hairs | Neolitsea australiensis |
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