The genus name Melolobium derived from Greek, melos meaning ‘a joint’ and lobium meaning ‘pod or capsule’, referring to the joint-like constrictions between seeds. It is a poorly known genus with 15 species of small shrubs or perennial herbs native to southern Africa. The species name candicans, means ‘becoming white’, ‘shining white’ and ‘hairy’, this obviously refers to the stems that are covered with short white hairs.

Species placed under Melolobium were previous included under other genera since the genus Melobium did not exist and this species was previously known as Dichilus candicans E. Mey. The generic concept of Melolobium was established in 1836 by Christian Friedrich Ecklon, who was a collector and researcher of plants in South Africa, and Karl Ludwig Philipp Zeyher, who was a botanical and insect collector who collected extensively in South Africa. Recent DNA analysis supports the monophyly of this genus, indicating that they all arise from a single common ancestor.