Guilandina L.

Shrubs or small trees, covered in prickles (in ours). Leaves 2-pinnate, without glands; leaflets opposite; stipules conspicuous. Inflorescence of terminal and supra-axillary racemes or panicles. Flowers unisexual. Sepals 5, ± equal, the lowest somewhat boat-shaped. Petals 5, ± equal, the upper one differing somewhat. Stamens 10, not exceeding the petals. Ovary often spiny, with a terminal stigma. Pod flattened, thick, covered in stiff spines. Seeds 2-4, spherical, hard, with transverse fracture lines.