Mussa

Mussa is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae. The genus was first described in 1776 by Carl Linnaeus. Plants in the genus Mussa are typically shrubs or small trees. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia.

Species within the genus Mussa are characterized by their opposite leaves, which are often simple and ovate. The flowers are usually small and white or cream-colored, and they grow in clusters. The fruit is typically a small berry.

Several species of Mussa have been used in traditional medicine. For example, Mussaenda erythrophylla has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever and skin diseases. The brightly colored bracts of some Mussa species are also used ornamentally in gardens.

The exact number of species in the genus Mussa is subject to ongoing taxonomic research. However, it is generally recognized as a moderately sized genus within the Rubiaceae family. The distribution of Mussa species is widespread across its native continents, contributing to the biodiversity of these regions. Further study is ongoing to understand the phylogenetic relationships within the genus and its ecological roles.