The family includes about 800 species of evergreen trees and shrubs in around 65 genera (35–75, depending on generic definition).

Many species produce edible fruits, or white blood-sap that is used to cleanse dirt, organically and manually, while others have other economic uses.

Species noted for their edible fruits include Manilkara (sapodilla), Chrysophyllum cainito (star-apple or golden leaf tree), Gambeya africana and Gambeya albida (star-apple), and Pouteria (abiu, canistel, lúcuma, mamey sapote).

Trees of the genus Palaquium (gutta-percha) produce an important latex with a wide variety of uses.

The seeds of the tree Sideroxylon spinosum produce an edible oil, traditionally harvested in Morocco.