Elaeocarpaceae is a family of trees and shrubs that are mainly tropical and sub-tropical but some are hardy in temperate climates. Many are evergreen with the leaves being a simple shape with a waxy finish.

There are about 12 genera in the family and around 615 species, the largest of the families genera being Elaeocarpus with some 350 recognised species. Sloanea, the next largest, has about 120 species.

The name comes from the Greek for oil fruit, as in Olive, due to similarities in fruit and structure. However, they are not closely related.

Geographically, these plants come from Madagascar, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South America, and the West Indies. The genus Crinodendron has been introduced to more temperate climates from the native South America and can be found in many parts of Europe.