parametilla

Parametilla 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, often epiphytic trees and shrubs, with simple, entire leaves and small, tubular flowers that are typically white or pinkish. The flowers are arranged in axillary or terminal cymes, and they often have a distinctive, sweet fragrance.

Parametilla species are valued for their ornamental qualities, with many being cultivated for their attractive foliage and flowers. Some species are also used in traditional medicine, particularly in Southeast Asia, where they are believed to have various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

The genus Parametilla was first described by the French botanist Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck in 1798, and it currently includes around 15 recognized species. The name Parametilla is derived from the Greek words "para," meaning "beside," and "metilla," which refers to the myrtle tree, reflecting the similarity between the two genera in terms of their leaf structure and floral morphology.