Urvillea

Urvillea is a genus of flowering plants in the soapberry family, Sapindaceae. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, from the southern United States to South America.

Urvillea species are typically climbing vines, often found in forests and thickets. They are characterized by their compound leaves, which are usually trifoliate (having three leaflets), and their tendrils, which help them climb. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, typically white or greenish in color. They are arranged in panicles or racemes. The fruit is a capsule that splits open to release seeds.

Several Urvillea species are used in traditional medicine in various parts of the Americas. They have been used for a variety of ailments, including pain relief, inflammation, and skin conditions. However, scientific research on the medicinal properties of Urvillea is limited.

The genus is named in honor of French botanist Jules Dumont d'Urville.