The leaf and twig anatomy of Berberidopsis and Streptothamnus are described in detail. The two genera are very similar in most aspects of their vegetative anatomy and together take a very isolated position in the Flacourtiaceae on account of their xylem anatomy and stomatal type. Differences in indumentum, crystal complement and epidermal cell morphology (whether or not papillate) support the distinction of Streptothamnus moorei from Berberidopsis sensu Veldkamp, i.e., including Berberidopsis corallina and B. beckleri (formerly Streptothamnus beckleri).