Illemon

Illemon is a genus of flowering plants in the family Gesneriaceae. It is a small genus of plants that are native to tropical regions of Central and South America. The genus was first described in 1897 by the botanist William More Arbord Salisbury.

Illemon comprises several species of plants that are characterized by their small size and compact growth habit. They are typically herbaceous plants that produce small delicate flowers in shades of pink and purple. The leaves of Illemon plants are small and oval-shaped, typically ranging from 2 to 5 cm in length.

The plants in the Illemon genus are epiphytes, meaning that they grow on other plants such as trees and bromeliads. They use these host plants for support while their roots absorb nutrients from the air and debris around them. Illemon species can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including cloud forests, shaded mountain slopes and tropical river valleys.

There are currently five accepted species in the Illemon genus, although some sources suggest that the genus may be in need of revision. The conservation status of Illemon species is generally not well-documented, although many tropical plant species are vulnerable to habitat loss and other environmental threats. Further research is needed to fully understand the relationships between Illemon species and to document their distribution and conservation status.