Hoffmannia

Hoffmannia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae. The genus comprises about 150 species of perennial herbs, shrubs, and small trees. These plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, ranging from Mexico and the Caribbean to South America. Hoffmannia species are characterized by their opposite, entire leaves, often with attractive venation or coloration, and their small, typically tubular flowers arranged in axillary cymes.

The flowers of Hoffmannia are usually inconspicuous, often white, yellow, or red, and are pollinated by insects. The fruit is typically a small berry, which can be black, red, or purple. Many Hoffmannia species are found in humid environments, such as rainforests and cloud forests, often growing in the understory or on mossy branches. Some species are cultivated for their ornamental foliage.

The genus was named by Hipólito Ruiz López and José Antonio Pavón y Jiménez in honor of Georg Franz Hoffmann, a German botanist. Hoffmannia species are not widely used for medicinal or economic purposes, although some indigenous communities may have traditional uses for certain plants. Conservation status varies among species, with some being common and others rare or endangered due to habitat loss and other threats.