Greek medike — clover, osme — smell, referring to the purported clover-like smell of the plants.

Shrubs or small to medium trees. Leaves mostly opposite, of 1 leaflet with entire margins. Flower clusters axillary, occasionally of 1 flower. Flowers bisexual. Sepals 4, united at the base. Petals 4, free, rarely more or less united at the base. Stamens 8(4), free or occasionally united at the base. Ovary of 4 more or less free carpels, each containing 2 ovules. Fruit of 1-4 units, the brown-black seeds dispersed explosively.

Densely foliaged plants with fragrant flowers.

Seed or occasionally cuttings.

The wood of M. cunninghamii is used for carpentry.

Leaves (in those cultivated) more than 7 cm long; flowers creamy white; styles not terminal.

About 25 species from New Caledonia, Australia and New Guinea. Australia has 6 endemic species.

Hartley (1985).

Source: Spencer, R. (2002). Rutaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 4. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 3. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.