Theaceae -- the tea family (24-40/600; pantropical with species extending into temperate regions of eastern Asia and eastern North America)
Habit shrubs or trees
Leaves alternate, simple, estipulate
Inflorescences mostly solitary
Special floral characteristics showy flowers, usually fragrant
Calyx 4-7 sepals, distinct or basally connate
Corolla 4-5 (-many) petals, distinct or basally connate
Androecium many stamens, distinct or filaments basally connate in a ring or in groups (fascicled), sometimes basally adnate to corolla (=sympetalous)
Gynoecium 2-5 (6-many) carpels, connate; ovary superior with 2-5 locules and 2- many axile ovules/locule; styles 2-5 (6-many) distinct or variously connate OR 1 and undivided
Fruit = capsule, drupe, berry or achene
(Floral formula: Ca 5 Co 5 A ? G 5 )