Herbaceous annual, erect, highly ramified up to 60 cm. Pinnatisect leaves, with linear segments. Flower heads 2.5 cm
in diameter, on short terminal peduncles; white, emarginate ligules. Achenes with 3 to 5 ribs, not very apparent.

There are significant nomenclature problems associated with the genus and numerous synonyms for the species¹.

Herb or subfrutex from 1 to 3 m, with large tuberous roots. Alternate leaves, glabrous, 3 to 7-lobed, linear to elliptic or oblanceolate, acuminate, glaucous on the underside. Inflorescences in terminal panicles; flowers with bell-shaped calyces, 5 lobate. 1.5 cm dehiscent capsule, subglobose, rugose, slightly winged.

Tree of 10 to 15 m or more, with a dense, rounded crown; resinous bark. Alternate leaves, oblong-lanceolate, acute or acuminate, subcoriaceous. Green or yellowish flowers, fragrant, in large panicles; petals of 5 mm, glabrous. Drupe ellipsoid to obliquely reniform, 5 to 15 cm, yellow fleshy mesocarp, bittersweet.

Tree, up to 20 m high.  Leaves opposite, 8-25 cm x 10 cm, elliptic to obovate, glossy, dark green with pellucid dots, exuding a milky sap when broken; Flowers axillary, solitary or few together, fragrant, with white obovate petals ca. 20 mm long; fruit a globose drupe ca. 15 cm in diameter, skin rough, brown and thick; seeds 1-4 fibrous coated stone embedded in sweet, yellow pulp.