Kollisia

Kollisia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae, native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. The genus is characterized by its small, often epiphytic or lithophytic herbs, with simple, entire leaves and small, often tubular flowers. Kollisia species are known for their distinctive, often fragrant flowers, which are typically white or cream-colored, and are often arranged in dense, terminal clusters.

The genus Kollisia was first described by the German botanist Carl Ludwig Willdenow in 1805, and is named in honor of the German botanist and physician Friedrich Kollmann. The genus is currently recognized to include approximately 10 species, although the taxonomy of the genus is still a subject of ongoing research and debate.

Kollisia species are often cultivated as ornamental plants in tropical and subtropical gardens, due to their attractive flowers and foliage. They are also used in traditional medicine in some regions, where they are believed to have various medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

Kollisia species are typically propagated by seed or by division of the rhizome, and are best grown in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. They prefer bright, indirect light, and should be watered regularly, but allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Kollisia species are generally hardy in USDA zones 10-11, but may require protection from frost in colder regions.