Trees or shrubs. Leaves alternate, imparipinnate (in ours). Stipules present. Inflorescence a conspicuous raceme. Flowers unisexual, zygomorphic. Sepals 4-5, differing from the 4-5 free and unequal petals. Ovary superior. Style with capitate stigma. Fruit a capsule.
Worldwide: 2 genera and 8 species in tropical and South Africa.
More sample images from the Melianthaceae (Click on each image to see a larger version and details of the record)