Limiandra

Limiandra is a genus of flowering plants comprising eight described species. Native to tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia and the western Pacific, the group occupies a variety of habitats from forest understories to hillside clearings. The genus was first described in the early 20th century by botanists studying regional flora.

Limiandra plants are mostly small shrubs or herbaceous perennials. Leaves are opposite and evergreen, with simple margins. Inflorescences are terminal or axillary spikes bearing small tubular flowers. The corolla tube is five-lobed, and colors range from pale pink to violet. Fruits are capsules releasing numerous tiny seeds.

Species of Limiandra occur primarily in humid forests from lowland to montane zones, typically between 400 and 1,600 meters in elevation. They prefer shaded to partially shaded sites, often in leaf litter or mossy substrates.

The genus includes eight described species, including Limiandra aurora, Limiandra noctiflora, Limiandra verdea, Limiandra alba, Limiandra rubra, Limiandra coerulea, Limiandra mystica, and Limiandra grandis. Several species have narrow ranges and are subject to regional conservation assessment.

Pollination is primarily by bees and butterflies. Some species are cultivated ornamentally for their colorful flowers, though they are not widely grown in horticulture. Habitat loss and collection pressures contribute to decline for at least a subset of species, highlighting the need for habitat protection.