Description: Deciduous trees or shrubs, new growth with indumentum of stellate and simple hairs.
Leaves alternate, irregularly 2–3-pinnate, margins toothed to lobed or ± entire.
Flowers bisexual or unisexual in axillary panicles. Calyx 5-lobed. Petals 5. Stamens 8–10, staminal tube shortly 10-lobed and terminated by 2–4-lobed appendages; anthers inserted on inside of tube. Ovary 5-locular; loculi with 2 ovules.
Fruit a drupe, endocarp bony; seeds without aril.
Distribution and occurrence: World: 2 or 3 species, tropical & subtropical regions, chiefly Asia & Africa. Australia: 1 species (native)
Text by M. J. Taylor & G. J. Harden
Taxon concept:
| One species in NSW: Melia azedarach |
|
