The family Rubiaceae, commonly known as the coffee or madder family, includes over 13,000 species of flowering plants. This diverse group is found in tropical and subtropical regions, with some species also thriving in temperate areas. Members of this family often have opposite leaves and small, tubular flowers, which can be white, yellow, or red. Many economically important plants belong to the Rubiaceae family, such as Coffea (coffee) and Cinchona (source of quinine). The family is also known for ornamental plants like Gardenia and Hamelia. Overall, Rubiaceae plays a significant role in both ecology and human use.