Stilbaceae

Stilbaceae is a family of flowering plants in the order Lamiales. It was formerly considered part of the Verbenaceae family but was elevated to family status in 2004. The family is native to Africa and Asia, with the majority of species found in tropical and subtropical regions. Stilbaceae comprises woody shrubs and trees, often characterized by their simple, opposite or whorled leaves. Their flowers are typically bisexual and arranged in spikes, racemes, or panicles. The corolla is often tubular and bilabiate, with colors ranging from white and yellow to pink and purple. The fruit is usually a drupe or a capsule.

The family contains a relatively small number of genera, with the most well-known being Stilbe, found in South Africa, and Retzia, also from South Africa. Other genera include Campylanthus and Dimorphanthes. Members of Stilbaceae are often found in dry, open habitats, including savannas, scrublands, and rocky slopes. Some species have been used in traditional medicine, although extensive medicinal or economic uses are not widely documented for the family as a whole. Research into the phylogeny and taxonomy of Stilbaceae continues, aiming to refine our understanding of its evolutionary relationships within the Lamiales.