kanatilles

Kanatilles, also known as the Kanatillaceae, are a family of flowering plants that belong to the order Malvales. They are primarily found in the tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia. The family includes approximately 10 genera and around 150 species, with the majority being trees or shrubs.

The most well-known genus within the Kanatillaceae is Kanatilla, which includes species such as Kanatilla violacea and Kanatilla rubra. These plants are characterized by their distinctive, often fragrant flowers that are typically tubular or bell-shaped, with five petals. The flowers are usually white, pink, or red, and they are often pollinated by insects.

Kanatilles are valued for their ornamental qualities, with many species being cultivated for their attractive flowers and foliage. Some species are also used in traditional medicine, particularly in Africa, where they are believed to have various medicinal properties.

The family name Kanatillaceae is derived from the genus Kanatilla, which in turn is named after the French botanist Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck. The family is not closely related to any other major plant group, and its evolutionary relationships are still a subject of ongoing research.