Alibertia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae, within the order Gentianales. It comprises trees and shrubs native to tropical America, with approximately 16 species currently accepted by Plants of the World Online and around 34 taxa recognised in the GBIF backbone. The genus was formally described by A. Richard, published by Augustin Pyramus de Candolle in Prodromus (vol. 4, 1830).
Plants in this genus are dioecious — individual plants bear either male or female flowers, but not both. The flowers are white, and the fruits are indehiscent and often fleshy, adaptations consistent with animal dispersal in tropical forest environments. Alibertia edulis, one of the better-known members, is native to South America and is valued for its edible fruit.
Distribution
Alibertia is distributed across tropical America. GBIF distribution records note the genus in Colombia, consistent with its broader Neotropical range across South and Central America.
Taxonomy Notes
The genus was described by Achille Richard and published by de Candolle in Prodromus Systematum Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis 4: 443 (1830). It belongs to the tribe Gardenieae within the family Rubiaceae. As of January 2026, Plants of the World Online recognises 16 species; the GBIF backbone lists approximately 34 descendant taxa.
