Carpidium

Carpidium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae. The genus was described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 and is native to South America. Species in this genus are typically shrubs or small trees. They are characterized by their opposite, simple leaves and their inflorescences, which are usually cymes. The flowers are actinomorphic and typically have five petals. The fruit is a capsule.

The most well-known species in the genus is Carpidium brasiliense, which is found in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. This species is a large shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall. It has glossy, dark green leaves and produces clusters of white flowers in the summer. The fruit is a small, woody capsule that splits open to release its seeds.

Carpidium species are not widely cultivated, and their economic importance is minimal. However, some species may have ethnobotanical uses in their native regions. Further research is needed to fully understand the diversity and ecological roles of Carpidium.