Berberidaceae

Shrubs. Leaves alternate, simple or compound; stipules absent. Flowers bisexual, in cymo-panicles or racemes. Sepals and petals similar, in 2 or more whorls, free, imbricate. Stamens 6, hypogynous, free; anthers dehiscing by valves. Carpel solitary, with several ascending ovules. Fruit a berry. 13 gen., temp. America and Asia.