However, newer arrangements move it, with some other families previously in the Violales, into the Malvales.

Although small, this family includes trees, herbs, and shrubs.

All plants within the Bixaceae produce a red, orange, or yellow latex.

The Bixaceae include three genera and a total of 25 species, although Cochlospermum is sometimes placed into its own family Cochlospermaceae.

The best-known species is the source of annatto, the achiote, which belongs to the type genus of the family.