| Roella | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Roella ciliata flower and leaves | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Campanulaceae |
| Subfamily: | Campanuloideae |
| Genus: | Roella L. [1] |
| Species | |
See text | |
Roella is a genus of flowering plants in the family Campanulaceae, native to southern South Africa. They are small shrubs or perennial herbs and can be erect through prostrate in habit. [2]
Currently accepted species include: [3]
The family Campanulaceae, of the order Asterales, contains nearly 2400 species in 84 genera of herbaceous plants, shrubs, and rarely small trees, often with milky sap. Among them are several familiar garden plants belonging to the genera Campanula (bellflower), Lobelia, and Platycodon (balloonflower). Campanula rapunculus and Codonopsis lanceolata are eaten as vegetables. Lobelia inflata, L. siphilitica and L. tupa and others have been used as medicinal plants. Campanula rapunculoides may be a troublesome weed, particularly in gardens, while Legousia spp. may occur in arable fields.
Heliophila is a genus of flowering plants in the family Brassicaceae. Members of this genus are either annuals or perennials and some are popular as ornamental plants. Endemic to southern Africa, the majority of the approximately 80 species grow in South Africa, particularly the Cape Floristic Region, while a few extend into the Namib Desert.
Trachyandra is a genus of plant in the family Asphodelaceae, subfamily Asphodeloideae, first described as a genus in 1843. It is native to eastern and southern Africa, as well as to Yemen and Madagascar. Many of the species are endemic to South Africa.
Microcodon is a genus of plants in the family Campanulaceae. It contains four known species, all endemic to South Africa.
Merciera is a genus of plants in the family Campanulaceae. It contains 6 known species, all endemic to Cape Province in South Africa.
Treichelia is a genus of plants in the Campanulaceae. It contains two known species, both endemic to Cape Province of South Africa.
Lobostemon is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Boraginaceae. Its native range is South Africa. The majority of species are limited to the winter rainfall area of the country, from Springbok to Mossel Bay. In Afrikaans these species are known as agtdaegeneesbos, or loosely translated, bush that will heal in eight days. As this name suggests, many species have medicinal properties. This is best known from Lobostemon fruticosus, which is used for treating wounds, blood poisoning, ringworm, skin diseases and syphilis.
Prismatocarpus is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Campanulaceae.