Knucklesia

Knucklesia 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 distinctive, knobby stems and leaves, which give it its common name. The plants are typically small to medium-sized trees or shrubs, with simple, alternate leaves that are often glossy and have a distinctive, knobby texture.

Knucklesia species are known for their attractive flowers, which are usually small and arranged in clusters at the ends of branches. The flowers are typically white or pale yellow, with five petals and a central disk of stamens. The plants are also notable for their fruit, which are small, dry capsules that contain numerous seeds.

Knucklesia species are often cultivated as ornamental plants due to their attractive foliage and flowers. They are also used in traditional medicine in some regions, where they are believed to have various medicinal properties. However, the use of Knucklesia species in medicine is not well-documented, and more research is needed to fully understand their potential benefits and risks.

Knucklesia is a relatively small genus, with only about 20 recognized species. The genus was first described by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753, and its name is derived from the Greek words "knux" and "kleis," which refer to the knobby texture of the plant's stems and leaves.