Henckelia

Henckelia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Gesneriaceae. These plants are native to Southeast Asia, particularly the Malay Peninsula and Borneo. They are herbaceous perennials, typically growing in shaded, humid environments, often found on forest floors, rocks, or tree trunks.

The genus Henckelia is characterized by its specific floral morphology and growth habit. The leaves are usually opposite and can be simple or compound, often with serrated margins. The flowers are typically zygomorphic, meaning they have a bilateral symmetry, and come in various colors, including white, pink, and purple. They are borne in cymes or solitary arrangements. The fruit is usually a capsule, containing numerous small seeds.

Historically, the classification of Henckelia has seen some revisions. Some species previously placed in Henckelia have been transferred to other genera, and vice versa, as new phylogenetic data became available. This genus is recognized for its diversity within its geographical range, with many species exhibiting localized distributions. Cultivation of Henckelia species is generally limited to specialist collectors and botanical gardens due to their specific environmental requirements. The genus is named in honor of Johann Lorenz Henckel, a German botanist.