Description: Trees or shrubs without spines or woody climbers with spines.
Leaves opposite, alternate or clustered at end of branches.
Inflorescence usually a much-branched terminal cyme. Flowers bisexual or unisexual and then the plants mostly dioecious. Perianth in female flowers contracted above the ovary, 5-toothed; in male flowers bell-shaped. Stamens 6–14 [2–20].
Anthocarp often glandular, topped by withered upper portion of the perianth.
Distribution and occurrence: World: c. 45 species, tropical & subtropical regions, especially America & South-East Asia. Australia: 3 species, Qld, N.S.W., N.T., W.A.
Text by S. W. L. Jacobs & G. J. Harden
Taxon concept:
Taxa not yet included in identification key
Pisonia brunoniana
| | Key to the species | |
| 1 | Woody climber or scrambling shrub with axillary spines on abortive peduncles; fruit covered with stiff, hooked glandular hairs | Pisonia aculeata |
| Erect shrub or small tree without spines; fruit viscid along ribs but without glandular hairs | Pisonia umbellifera |
|
