Trees, deciduous, rarely woody lianas; bud enclosed within inflated base of petiole. Leaves imparipinnate; stipules absent; stipels present or absent; leaflets alternate or subopposite, membranous, entire. Paniculate racemes terminal; bracts and bracteoles caducous. Calyx campanulate; teeth 5. Corolla white (or pink); petals subequal. Stamens 10, free; filaments distinct or slightly joined at base; anthers versatile. Ovary linear-lanceolate, shortly stalked; ovules few to many; style incurved; stigmas small. Legume com­pressed, winged or not, tardily dehiscent. Seeds 1 to many.

See the synopsis of Cladrastis by Duley and Vincent (Rhodora 105: 205-239. 2003).

Eight species: SE Asia and E North America; six species (five endemic) in China.

(Authors: Bao Bojian (包伯坚); Michael A. Vincent)