Sterculia

Morphological Summary

Genus of tropical and subtropical trees in the family Malvaceae (subfamily Sterculioideae), with around 150–200 species distributed across Africa, Asia, Australia and the Pacific. Many species develop prominent, striking trunks; some show notable adaptations to arid zones or island habitats. Flowers are small but produced in large panicles; fruits are showy woody follicles that open to reveal colourful seeds. The genus is named after Sterculus, the Roman god of manure, alluding to the fetid smell of the flowers of some species.