Twenty-eight species of Malesherbia were tested and found to be cyanogenic. Analysis by HPLC, GC, NMR and comparisons of Rf values on paper chrornatogrems showed all to possess tetraphyllin A and B as major cyanogens, with epitetraphyllin B and deidaclin being present occasionally. These data confirm the close relationship of this family with other families which produce structurally related cyanogens, the Passifloreceee, Tumereceoe and Flacourtlaceae. In none of these families is tetraphyllin A the major cyanogen, however. The genus Gynopleure, sometimes segregated from Melesherbia, does not differ in this character.