Malmia

Malmia is a small genus of flowering plants in the family Ericaceae. First described by Swedish botanist Anders Jahan Retzius in 1798, the genus currently contains about twelve recognized species, most of which are native to the subtropical regions of South America, particularly the Andes of Peru, Bolivia, and northern Chile. The plants are typically shrubs or small trees reaching one to five metres in height, with simple, alternate leaves and bell‑shaped white or pink flowers. The fruit is a small berry, often bright red or purple, adapted for dispersal by birds and other wildlife.

The genus is characterized by its ericoid mycorrhizal associations, which allow it to thrive in nutrient-poor, acidic soils often found on mountain slopes and cloud forests. Some species exhibit a distinctive sweet fragrance, used in traditional folk medicine to treat skin ailments and as a mild analgesic. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies have placed Malmia within the subfamily Ericoideae, closely related to the genera Kalmia and Vaccinium.

Conservation status varies by species; several are listed as vulnerable or near threatened due to habitat loss from mining, deforestation, and climate change. Ongoing field surveys aim to clarify species boundaries and assess population trends. Research into the secondary metabolites of Malmia species has revealed potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds, suggesting further interest for pharmaceutical development.