Graviera

Graviera is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae, native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. The genus is characterized by its small, often epiphytic or lithophytic herbs, with simple, entire leaves and small, often tubular flowers arranged in axillary or terminal inflorescences. The flowers are typically white or pale yellow, with a distinctive tubular shape and a prominent spur at the base of the corolla tube.

Graviera species are known for their medicinal properties, with some species used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, malaria, and skin diseases. The genus is also of interest to botanists and horticulturists due to its unique morphology and ecological adaptations.

The genus was first described by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753, with the type species being Graviera glabra. Since then, numerous species have been described, with the most recent being Graviera madagascariensis, described in 2010. The genus is currently recognized to contain around 30 species, with a wide distribution across the tropics.

Graviera species are typically propagated by seed or vegetative means, and many are cultivated as ornamental plants due to their attractive flowers and foliage. However, they require specific growing conditions, including high humidity and well-draining soil, and are often grown as epiphytes or lithophytes in greenhouses or conservatories.