The Cochlospermaceae are a family of two genera and 20-25 species of trees and shrubs, included in the Bixaceae in the APG III system. The older APG II system treated this family as an optional segregate of Bixaceae. They occur widely throughout the tropical regions of the world, but are curiously absent from Malaysia. Most species in this family are mesophytic or xerophytic, growing primarily in drier climates.