In the present work details are given in the first place for the Malesian Olacaceae, representing the basis of my forthcoming treatment of the family in ‘Flora Malesiana’, in which full descriptions of the Malesian genera and species will be given. As the Olacaceae of Malesia are connected with those of South and Southeast Asia on the one, and those of Australia and the Pacific on the other side, it has been necessary to study the respective materials too. A part of the Malesian genera is represented also in Africa inch Madagascar, and even in Central and South America; the appertaining species have been studied but are not mentioned in this paper. A critical elaboration of the family for Africa and America is urgently needed, but will, as far as can be seen, be of no influence of the delimitation and scientific names of the Asiatic-Malesian Olacaceae.