Millettieae

Millettieae is a large and diverse tribe of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae, commonly known as the pea family. This tribe is characterized by its woody habit, although some members can be herbaceous. Millettieae is primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, with a significant concentration in Africa and Asia. The tribe contains numerous genera, with Millettia and Derris being among the most well-known and extensively studied.

Members of Millettieae exhibit a wide range of morphological features. They typically possess pinnately compound leaves and their flowers are often zygomorphic, meaning they have bilateral symmetry, a common characteristic of the Fabaceae family. The fruits are usually legumes, which are dry fruits that split open along two seams. Many species within Millettieae have ecological and economic importance. Some are used for timber, medicinal purposes, or as sources of natural insecticides. The rotenoids, a class of toxic compounds used in pest control, are found in several genera within this tribe, particularly Derris. Evolutionary relationships within Millettieae are complex and have been the subject of ongoing research, with molecular data playing a crucial role in understanding its phylogenetic structure. The tribe represents a significant component of tropical legume diversity.