Introduction
Ruizia is a monotypic, endangered, genus, from Reunion. It belongs to subfamily Dombeyoideae of Malvaceae sensu APG, and probably to the core of the subfamily, being related to genera such as Dombeya, Trochetia, Astiria, Helmiopsis and Helmiopsiella.
Classification and Synonymy
The foliage of Ruizia is variable. This has resulted in the existence of several synonyms for the single species, including Ruizia lobata Cav., Ruizia laciniata Cav. and Ruizia variabilis Jacq.
Ruizia fragrans Ruiz & Pav. is a synomym for the lauraceous plant Boldea fragrans.
Ruizia cordata Cav.