Trees or small subshrubs. Inflorescence terminal, spicate. Bracts ovate or 0; bracteoles 2. Calyx actinomorphic, 5-lobed. Corolla 1-lipped; lobes 5; tube shorter than the lobes. Fertile stamens 4, 1-thecous. Pollen prolate. Capsule woody. Derivation of name: from the Greek skleros, meaning hard and chiton, covering, referring to the woody casing of its fruiting capsule. Worldwide: 12 species in tropical and South Africa. Caprivi: 1 cultivated taxon. |