Trees, shrubs or herbs. Stipules present. Leaves alternate (in ours), opposite or whorled, simple or compound. Flowers actinomorphic, usually bisexual, perigynous or epigynous. Calyx lobes usually 5; epicalyx sometimes present (Alchemilla). Petals as many as calyx lobes, rarely 0 (Alchemilla). Stamens usually numerous. Carpels 1-many, free or connate; ovules usually 2, rarely 1 or several. Fruit an achene, drupe, follicle or pome, very rarely a capsule.