Atleidia

Atleidia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae, native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. The genus was first described by the Swiss botanist Johann Friedrich Klotzsch in 1856. It is characterized by its small to medium-sized trees and shrubs, with simple, alternate leaves and inflorescences that are typically axillary or terminal. The flowers are small, usually white or pale yellow, and are arranged in cymes or racemes. The fruit is a dry capsule containing numerous seeds.

Atleidia species are known for their medicinal properties. Some species are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, malaria, and skin diseases. The bark and leaves of some species are also used in the production of traditional remedies for digestive issues and as a diuretic.

The genus Atleidia is named after the French botanist Jean-Baptiste Atle, who was a contemporary of Klotzsch and also worked on the flora of Africa. The genus is currently recognized to include about 15 species, with the most well-known being Atleidia macrocarpa, which is used in traditional medicine and has been the subject of some scientific research.