Belongs to the ditypic genus: L. acicularis and L. decaryi; Subfamily: Rubioideae; Tribe: Spermacoceae.

(Sub)shrubs, woody stems; well-developed woody pivoting roots up to 25 cm. Leaves ternate, somewhat succulent, sessile and acicular. Inflorescences monofloral and terminal. Drupes, obconic, indehiscent and crowned by persistent calyx lobes.

Phylogenetically, Lathraeocarpa is related to the genera Gomphocalyx and Phylodrax (Groeninckx & al., 2009). It differs from these two genera in its habit and fruit.This species is used to make talismans to cure delayed children and for protection (Ravaosolo, 2009).