Description: Many-branched shrubs, monoecious.
Leaves usually in groups of 3 (probably 2 representing stipules), groups alternate, lamina entire; shortly petiolate.
Flowers small, axillary, solitary or a few together. Perianth segments 4 or 6. Male flowers shortly pedunculate; stamens 3, 6 or 9; rudimentary ovary present. Female flowers usually sessile; ovules 2 in each loculus; styles simple.
Capsule 3-lobed; seeds oblong, smooth, carunculate.
Distribution and occurrence: World: 4 species, endemic Australia. Australia: Qld, N.S.W., Vic., Tas., S.A.
Formerly placed in Euphorbiaceae. The leaves in Micrantheum are often described as being in half whorls of 2–5 (usually 3), with the outer 2 being foliaceous stipules.
Text by T.A. James & G.J. Harden, Flora of New South Wales Vol. 1 (1990), in Euphorbiaceae; revised May 2017
Taxon concept: Australian Plant Census (accessed May 2017)
| | Key to the species | |
| 1 | Stamens 3; female perianth segments 1–3 mm long; heath-like shrub to 70 cm high, branches and sometimes leaves pubescent | Micrantheum ericoides |
| Stamens 6 or 9; female perianth segments 4–5 mm long; erect shrub to 2 m high, mostly glabrous although the branches sometimes pubescent | Micrantheum hexandrum |
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