heikoempia

Heikoempia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rutaceae, commonly known as citrus. The genus contains a single species, Heikoempia cornifolia. This species is native to the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. Heikoempia cornifolia is a small tree or shrub, typically growing to a height of 2 to 5 meters. It has compound leaves with three to five leaflets, and bears small, white, fragrant flowers. The fruit is a small, globose berry.

Heikoempia cornifolia has been used in traditional medicine by indigenous communities in Brazil for various ailments. Extracts from the plant have shown potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in preliminary studies. However, further research is needed to confirm these effects and to understand the active compounds responsible. The conservation status of Heikoempia cornifolia is not well-established, but its habitat in the Atlantic Forest is threatened by deforestation and habitat fragmentation. As a result, it is likely that the species faces conservation challenges. It is not widely cultivated or used commercially, remaining largely a subject of botanical interest and traditional use.