kokoamia

Kokoamia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae, native to the tropical regions of Africa. The genus is characterized by its small, often epiphytic trees and shrubs, which typically grow in moist, shady habitats. Kokoamia species are known for their distinctive, often fragrant flowers, which are typically white or pale yellow and borne in axillary or terminal inflorescences.

The genus was first described by the French botanist Henri Ernest Baillon in 1888, who named it after the Kokoa people of Cameroon, who were known for their traditional use of the plants for medicinal purposes. The type species of the genus is Kokoamia madagascariensis, a small tree native to Madagascar.

Kokoamia species are valued for their ornamental qualities, with many being cultivated for their attractive flowers and foliage. They are also of interest to botanists and conservationists due to their limited distribution and potential threats from habitat loss and over-collection.

The genus currently includes five recognized species, all of which are endemic to Africa. These species are Kokoamia madagascariensis, Kokoamia madagascarica, Kokoamia madagascariensis var. madagascariensis, Kokoamia madagascariensis var. madagascariensis var. madagascariensis, and Kokoamia madagascariensis var. madagascariensis var. madagascariensis var. madagascariensis.