Mentzelia is a genus within the flowering nettle family (Loasaceae). The plant genus comprises about 80 species, which are mainly native to North, South and Central America.
The genus Mentzelia includes annual or perennial plants, semi-shrubs, shrubs or small trees, each with piercing hairs.
The leaves of the plant are mostly lobed and egg-shaped. The flowers are white, yellow or orange in colour. The fruit of the plant is a capsule that opens by means of flaps at the top. The seeds inside the capsule are angular or flattened at the sides.