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These are mostly dioecious but very rarely monoecious trees or shrubs. The bark is resinous and the leaves are either pinnately arranged or sometimes arranged as foliage leaves. Stipules may be present or absent and if present, then these are helically arranged. 

Paniculate inflorescence is observed and the flowers, 3 to 5 are unisexual with free petals. The calyx bears sepals that are more or less fused, somewhat persistent and adhering to the fruits. The number of stamens is approximately twice or at times a bit less than that of the petals. The anthers are dorsally attached at the base. Ovary is superior and syncarpous and bears 2 ovules per locule. The style is short and simple, while the stigma is slightly lobed. Fruits from this family exist in the form of drupes, while the grains do not possess albumen. 

Protium 

The genus consists of approximately 80 species found in tropical regions of both hemispheres. Members of this genus are trees, whose leaves are astipulate. 

The flowers exist in groups of 4 or 5, are unisexual, dioecious and are arranged in a paniculated manner. The sepals are rather short, a bit fused at the base, while being valvate on the bud. The petals too are valvate, but unlike the sepals, these are free. 10 stamens are generally present, whilst the ovaries have 4 to 5 locules, with 2 ovules per locule. However, usually one ovule develops. 

The fruits exist in the form of drupes or are found enclosed in a tough capsule. As only 1 ovule develops and the other is aborted, the developing fruit acquires an asymmetric pattern. The grains ranging from 1 to 3 and even a maximum of 5 are enclosed in a reddish translucent tissue.  
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