Spacingia

Spacingia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae, native to the tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. The genus is characterized by its small, evergreen trees or shrubs, which typically grow to a height of 2-10 meters. The leaves are simple, alternate, and often have a glossy appearance. The flowers are small, white or pink, and are arranged in axillary or terminal inflorescences. The fruit is a capsule that contains several seeds.

Spacingia is known for its medicinal properties. The leaves and bark of some species are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, malaria, and skin diseases. The genus is also valued for its ornamental qualities, with some species being cultivated for their attractive flowers and foliage.

The taxonomy of Spacingia is complex, with over 100 species described. However, many of these are considered to be synonyms or subspecies of other species. The genus was first described by the French botanist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in 1798.