Rubiaceae

Abstract

The Rubiaceae, commonly known as the coffee, madder, or bedstraw family, the fourth largest angiosperm family, in the order of Gentianales, is a family of flowering plants, containing about 13,500 species in approximately 611 genera, consisting of terrestrial trees, shrubs, lianas, or herbs, cosmopolitan, and mostly distributed in tropical or subtropical regions. The Rubiaceae are morphologically easily recognizable as a coherent group by a combination of characters: opposite leaves that are simple and entire, interpetiolar stipules, tubular sympetalous actinomorphic corollas, and an inferior ovary. Plants are annual or perennial herbs, subshrubs, vines, lianas, or trees. Flowers are bisexual, with various inflorescence manners. Stamens are four to five. Ovules are one to numerous per locule. Fruit is a capsule, berry, or drupe. Nine species, belonging different genera, are illustrated in the chapter.