© Thomas Brendler
Ramosmania rodriguesii Tirveng., Rubiaceae
This genus consists of only one species, which originates from Rodrigues (Mauritius). It is said to have been used as a cure for venereal disease and for liver detox. Ramosmania belongs to the tribe Hypobathreae (subtr. Hypobathrinae) and is related to the genus Morindopsis.
A heterophyllous shrub or low tree glabrous in all parts when adult. Leaves opposite, entire, with short petioles, oblong, very slightly emarginate 6.5-11 cm long, linear-lanceolate and up to 30 cm long in juvenile form. Flowers white, hermaphrodite, regular, 1 to 5 together in axillary cymes. Fruit oblong, ribbed, 2.5-3 cm long. Numerous small seeds.
This genus, due to its critical conservation status, has not yet been investigated phytochemically or pharmacologically.