Dendrophylax

Dendrophylax is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae, native to tropical regions of Central and South America. The genus is characterized by its woody vines, which can grow up to 10 meters in length, and its simple, alternate leaves with entire margins. The flowers of Dendrophylax are typically small, white or pale yellow, and arranged in axillary or terminal inflorescences. The fruit is a capsule that contains numerous seeds.

Dendrophylax species are often used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. They are also valued for their ornamental qualities, with some species being cultivated for their attractive flowers and foliage.

The genus Dendrophylax was first described by Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius in 1841. It is currently accepted to contain 13 species, with the most well-known being Dendrophylax umbellata, which is commonly known as the "white vine" or "white vine of the Andes."