Owstonia

Owstonia is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Tiliaceae, according to some older classifications, or Malvaceae under more modern phylogenetic systems. It is a small genus containing only one or a few species, depending on taxonomic interpretation.

The type species is Owstonia celebica.

These plants are typically trees found in tropical regions. The genus is named after Alan Owston, a British merchant and naturalist who lived in Japan and collected natural history specimens. Owston's collections contributed significantly to the understanding of flora and fauna in the regions he explored.

The plants in the Owstonia genus are known for their timber value and are sometimes used in construction and woodworking. Detailed information on specific characteristics such as leaf shape, flower structure, and fruit morphology can vary depending on the species, and further botanical study is recommended for a complete understanding.

The taxonomic placement of Owstonia has been subject to revision as molecular phylogenetic data has become available. Its classification within either Tiliaceae or Malvaceae reflects this ongoing refinement of botanical taxonomy.