Unarmed trees. Leaves 2-pinnate, lacking specialised glands on petiole and rhachis. Leaflets opposite on each pinna. Inflorescence a raceme. Flowers bisexual. Calyx 5-lobed. Petals 5, subequal, with the upper shorter than the others. Stamens 10. Stigma broadly peltate. Pods flat, winged, indehiscent. Seeds flat. Derivation of name: 'shield-bearing', referring to the peltate stigmas Worldwide: 6-9 pantropical species; 1 indigenous to Africa Caprivi: 1 taxon. |