Thulin, M. (1999) Sterculiaceae in Flora of Somalia 2: 21-38
Plants herbs of shrublets, with stellate hairs. Leaves simple, pinnately veined. Inflorescences in 1-several-flowered axillary cymes. Epicalyx bracts 3, inserted immediately below the calyces; sepals 4-5 mm long; petals 5-6 mm long, with broadly rounds to truncate tips; staminal tubes about 1 mm long; staminodes about 4 mm long, exceeding the stamens; styles about 3 mm long, with 4 stigma-lobes. Fruits 5-7 mm long, ellipsoid, with 5 longitudinal ridges each with 2 rows of 5 mm long plumose bristles, apparently indehiscent.
Melhania includes about 70 species. Most are native to Africa, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula but some extend to India, Indonesia, and Australia. It used to be included in Sterculacieae.
Note: GBIF records include introduced and cultivated plants. Consequently, the distribution shown often differs from statements about a taxon's native distribution.