Description: Twining or climbing perennials; monoecious.
Leaves alternate, toothed, 3- or 5-veined at base.
Inflorescence a terminal raceme, often appearing leaf-opposed or axillary. Male flowers with perianth of 3–5 segments; stamens few to many. Female flowers at base of racemes; perianth usually of 6 segments, styles 3; united at base.
Capsule 3-lobed.
Distribution and occurrence: World: 100 species, tropical & subtropical regions. Australia: 1 species (endemic).
Text by T. A. James & G. J. Harden Taxon concept:
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