For description see genus. This family appears to be closely related to the Cornaceae and Aucuba in particular. It contains highly toxic alkaloids.

1 genus of about 13 species from W, N and C America.

Evergreen trees and shrubs with flowers in long, ornamental catkins; male flowers with 4 perianth segments and 4 stamens; ovary inferior.

Source: Spencer, R. (2002). Garryaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 3. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 2. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.