A genus of probably only three species of deciduous shrubs ranging from the E. Himalaya to Japan and Formosa. It is in certain respects intermediate between the Araliaceae and Cornaceae and by some botanists is separated as a distinct monotypic family – the Helwingiaceae.
The genus was named in honour of G. A. Helwing (1666-1748), author of works on the botany of Prussia.