Description: Shrubs, often strongly scented.
Leaves alternate, imparipinnate, petiole and rachis winged; leaflets opposite, asymmetric, toothed, glabrous or hairy. Racemes with 1–4 flowers at each node.
Flowers compressed. Sepals usually pouched at base. Petals clawed. Disc large, unilateral. Stamens 4, in 2 pairs, 1 pair shorter than the other, inserted inside the nectary, filaments free. Ovary 4-locular; ovules 2–4 per loculus.
Capsule papery to woody; seeds black, shiny, without an aril.
Distribution and occurrence: World: 8 species, southern Africa. Australia: 2 species (naturalized), Qld, N.S.W., Vic., S.A.
Text by S. M. Hastings
Taxon concept:
| One species in NSW: Melianthus major |
|
