Albertias

Albertias is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae, native to the tropical regions of Africa. The genus was first described by the German botanist Christian Gottfried Daniel Nees von Esenbeck in 1832. It is characterized by its small, evergreen shrubs or trees, typically growing to a height of 2-5 meters. The leaves are simple, alternate, and often have a glossy appearance. The flowers are small, white or pink, and are arranged in axillary or terminal inflorescences. The fruit is a capsule containing numerous seeds.

Albertias species are known for their medicinal properties. The bark and leaves of some species are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, malaria, and diarrhea. The genus also includes several species that are cultivated for their ornamental value, particularly for their attractive flowers and foliage.

The genus Albertias is named in honor of the German botanist and physician, Albert Schenk. The genus is currently recognized to include approximately 15 species, distributed across Central and West Africa. The taxonomy of the genus is still a subject of ongoing research, as new species are continually being discovered and described.