Curtissia

Curtissia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae. The genus was described in 1837. Plants in this genus are typically shrubs or small trees found in the understory of tropical and subtropical forests. They are native to parts of Africa and Madagascar.

Species within Curtissia are characterized by their simple, opposite leaves, which are often leathery in texture. The flowers are usually small and inconspicuous, borne in axillary or terminal inflorescences. They typically have a tubular corolla with a distinct limb, and the fruits are often drupes.

The genus is named in honor of William Curtis, a British botanist and founder of the botanical magazine "Curtis's Botanical Magazine". While not widely known for ornamental or medicinal purposes, Curtissia species play a role in their native ecosystems as part of the forest undergrowth. Their ecological significance lies in contributing to biodiversity and providing habitat for small fauna. Further research into the specific uses and ecological roles of individual species continues. The taxonomy of the genus is relatively stable, with a limited number of recognized species.