Lepistemon

Lepistemon 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 small, often epiphytic or lithophytic plants, with simple, entire leaves and small, tubular flowers arranged in axillary or terminal inflorescences. The flowers are typically white, pink, or purple, and are pollinated by small insects such as bees and flies.

Lepistemon species are known for their medicinal properties, with several species used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. For example, Lepistemon madagascariensis is used in Madagascar to treat fever, malaria, and other infectious diseases, while Lepistemon madagascariensis and Lepistemon madagascariensis are used in India to treat coughs and colds.

The genus Lepistemon is named after the Greek words "lepidos," meaning scale, and "stemon," meaning branch, referring to the scaly bracts that surround the flowers in some species. The genus is further divided into several sections, including Lepistemon, Madagascariensis, and Pogonanthus, based on differences in leaf shape, flower structure, and other morphological characteristics.

Lepistemon species are often cultivated as ornamental plants due to their attractive flowers and foliage. They are typically grown in hanging baskets or as epiphytes in greenhouses, and require well-draining soil and bright, indirect light. Some species are also used in landscaping and garden design, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.