Stilbaceae

Shrubs or small trees. Leaves simple, opposite or whorled; margins entire or less often toothed. Inflorescences consisting of spikes, thyrses, cymes, heads or solitary flowers; bracteate. Flowers often small, bisexual; zygomorphic or actinomorphic. Petals fused; imbricate; funnel-shaped or often tubular; persistent. Ovary superior; carpels fused. Fruit a capsule or berry.

Worldwide: 8 genera and 40 species in Sub-Saharan Africa, western Indian Ocean and Arabia.

Malawi: 2 genera and 5 taxa.