Pedaliaceae - Sesame family

Spiny shrub or small tree (Sesamothamnus) or, more usually, annual or perennial herbs. Leaves opposite or subopposite (upper sometimes alternate) or fasciculate in the axils of spines (Sesamothamnus). Stipules 0. Flowers usually solitary in axils, bisexual, zygomorphic. Pedicels generally with nectar glands (extra-floral nectaries) originating from reduced flowers at the base, these appearing as shiny ± raised circular bodies. Calyx 5-partite. Corolla ± 2-lipped, 5-lobed, joined into a tube. Stamens 4, sometimes with an additional staminode. Ovary superior, usually 2-locular. Fruit often with horns, spines or wings.

Worldwide: 17 genera and 85 species in tropical and warm areas.

Malawi: 3 genera and 5 taxa.