Lepidagathis

Lepidagathis is a genus of flowering plants in the family Acanthaceae. It is native to Africa and Asia. Species within this genus are typically herbaceous plants, often found in grasslands, savannas, and rocky areas. They are characterized by their leaves, which are often arranged in a basal rosette, and their flowers, which are usually small and white or pale purple, arranged in spikes or racemes.

The genus was described by Christian Friedrich Ecklon and Carl Ludwig Philipp Zeyher in 1836. The name Lepidagathis is derived from Greek words meaning "scaly" and "healing," possibly referring to the appearance of the bracts or traditional medicinal uses. Some species have been investigated for their potential pharmacological properties, although research is often limited.

Reproduction in Lepidagathis is typically through seeds, and pollination is often carried out by insects. The plants play a role in their ecosystems as food sources for herbivores and as ground cover. While many species are widespread, some may have more restricted distributions, making them subject to local conservation concerns. Identification of species within Lepidagathis can sometimes be challenging due to subtle morphological differences.