The Melianthaceae or honeyflower family contains 5 genera and about 18 rather diverse species. Limited to Africa with the exception of the monotypic Chilean genera Francoa and Tetilla, the family consists of small trees and shrubs with alternate, pinnately compound leaves and flowers in terminal racemes. The genus Greyia has been considered in its own family, but now is in this one. The family name is derived from the Greek meli, "honey," and anthos, "flower," alluding to the nectar-rich blossoms. Some species have had medicinal uses such as treating snake bites and other wounds, the wood of other members has been used as timber and for carving utensils and ornaments, and burned as incense. The flowers are mostly radially symmetric, 4-5-merous with 4 or 5 free petals. The fruit is a papery or woody dehiscent capsule, either loculicidal or opening only at the tip.