Firmiana Marsigli, Saggi Sci.Acad. Padoya. 1:106.t. 1,2. 1786. Corner, Wayside Tr.Mal.ed.2. 1:610.1952; Kostermans in Reinwardtia 4:281. 1857; Hutch., Gen. Fl.Pl. 2:519. 1967.
Medium to large, deciduous trees. Leaves cordate, 3-5-lobed, long petioled. Inflorescence paniculate. Flowers unisexual or bisexual or both on the same plant. Sepals 5, united into a long tube or slightly basally connate. Petals absent. Stamens usually 10(-30); anthers sessile or on short filaments. Carpels (4-) 5, apocarpous; ovaries unilocular, 2,4 or 6-ovuled; styles free, short; stigma recurved. Follicles membranous, stipitate, opening long before maturity. Seeds few, adhering to the margins, wrinkled when dry.
About 8 species; distributed in China, tropical south cast Asia, Pacific Islands (Fiji), tropical Africa and Madagascar. Represented by 3 ornamental species in Pakistan.
