Malesherbiaceae

The Malesherbiaceae is a plant family that consists of a single genus, Malesherbia, with 24 species. These plants are typically found in the dry regions of western subtropical South America. They are characterized by their fetid odor and dense glandular hairs.1

The flowers of Malesherbiaceae are distinctive, with the calyx and corolla tubes persisting in the fruit. The stamens and ovary are supported by a short stalk called an androgynophore. The family is part of the Salicaceae group within the order Malpighiales, which is characterized by glands on the leaves, typically three carpels, ovules on the ovary walls, and oily reserve endosperm in the seeds.1