Oheisiaceae

Oheisiaceae is a family of flowering plants that belongs to the order Gentianales. The family is monotypic, containing only one genus, Oheisia, which is native to the tropical regions of Africa. The genus Oheisia comprises approximately 10 species of perennial herbs, shrubs, or small trees, characterized by their simple, alternate leaves and showy, often fragrant flowers.

The flowers of Oheisiaceae are typically zygomorphic, meaning they have bilateral symmetry, and are usually arranged in racemes or panicles. They possess a distinctive corolla with five petals, often with a prominent spur at the base. The family is notable for its unique floral structure and is often used in botanical studies to understand the evolution of floral morphology.

Oheisiaceae is of particular interest to botanists due to its distinctive floral morphology and its role in understanding the evolution of the Gentianales order. The family's limited distribution and specific characteristics make it a valuable subject for further research and study.