Melianthus L.

Subshrubs or shrubs, often unpleasantly scented. Lvs imparipinnate, with rachis often winged; leaflets opposite, asymmetric, toothed. Racemes axillary or terminal, sometimes very short and few-flowered; fls usually conspicuous. Calyx 5-lobed, very unequal. Petals with spathulate limb. Disc large, variously adnate to sepals. Stamens 4, didynamous; filaments orange-red, free. Ovary 4-celled, lobed; ovules 2-4 in each loculus; style persistent. Capsule papery to woody, 4-lobed or 4-winged. Seeds black, shiny.

Cultivated as ornamentals. Some species have been used in folk medicine (Everist 1981, Spencer 2002), however they have toxic properties where even the nectar and honey from them is reputed to be poisonous (Everist 1981, McKenzie 2012).