Trees and shrubs. Leaves alternate, pinnate, the leaflets in opposite pairs; stipules present, often large and fused together. Flower clusters terminal or axillary. Flowers irregular, mostly bisexual. Sepals 5, unequal, overlapping, sometimes united at the base. Petals 5, unequal, free. Stamens 4 or 5, free or united at the base, attached inside the disk at the base of the calyx.ovary superior, 1-5-chambered, with 1-several ovules per chamber and axile placentation. Fruit a capsule.

Greyiaceae is sometimes included in this small family.

2 genera and 8 species from southern and tropical Africa.

Mostly alternate, pinnate leaves that are waxy-blue and strongly toothed in the cultivated species; stipules inside the leaf stalks; ovary superior.

Source: Spencer, R. (2002). Melianthaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 3. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 2. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.