👉 Tricholaena is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae, native to tropical Africa and Asia. They are known for their large, glossy leaves that are often used as ornamental plant material. The scientific name "Tricholaena" comes from the Greek words "tricholos" (meaning "sharp") and "ella" (meaning "leaf"), reflecting the sharp, glossy appearance of the leaves. The genus is named after the ancient Greek word for "