Tree or shrub with simple, opposite or alternate leaves. Flowers small, regular, perfect in cymose inflorescences. Calyx free or united; corolla 3-5 imbricate with disk, anther 3-5, ovary superior 2-5, ovule 2 in each locule. Fruit loculicidal capsule, samara, drupe, berry or indehiscens capsules. Seed often with bright coloured aril. (Siphonodon)
Trees or shrubs ; monoecious or dioecious evergreen with drooping twig. Leaves scale-like whorl, more or less connate, forming tooth sheath at each node. Perianth absent, the male flower in spicate, the female flower in heads with persistent bracts, the bracts opening and exposing the samaroid indehiscent nut. (Casuarina)
Carnation family ; herbs grown for their flowers, mostly of temperate and cold regions, with stems usually swollen at the joints, opposite entire narrow leaves with parallel veins ; regular mostly bright colored flowers often fringed or toothed. (Dianthus)