The genus is currently recognized by the APG III system of classification in the family Passifloraceae, and is the sole member of the subfamily Malesherbioideae.

Members of Malesherbia have perfect hermaphroditic flowers that come in various shades of red, pink, pale yellow, white, and purple.

[5] Malesherbia was distinguished from other genera due to its small five parted limbus, ovulate open jaciniis, five petals that are inserted at the interstices of the throat of the calyx, five oblong and bilocular anthers, three pistils, and several other traits.

[9] The entire plant along with Contilo, Arabisca, and Huamanripa are brewed into a tea, which is consumed three times a day.

[9] Members of Malesherbia are native to South America, specifically the arid and Andean regions of Perú, Chile and Argentina.