'''Candida''' may refer to several topics in biology and medicine, places, people, theatre, film and television, music, and other uses. See below for a description of each.
Biology and medicine
Genus Candida
The genus Candida belongs to the kingdom Fungi, phylum Ascomycota, subphylum Saccharomycotina, class Saccharomycetes, order Saccharomycetales, and family Debaryomycetaceae.[1][2] It is a heterogeneous group encompassing over 150 species of ascomycetous yeasts, though many await further taxonomic resolution or reclassification.[3][4][5] Prominent species include C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, and the emerging C. auris, which collectively account for a significant portion of clinically relevant isolates.[6]Species in the genus Candida are primarily unicellular yeasts characterized by their ability to form hyphae or pseudohyphae, exhibiting a dimorphic nature that enables transitions between budding yeast and filamentous forms in response to environmental cues.[7][8] This morphological plasticity is regulated by factors such as nutrient availability and temperature, with the yeast form featuring round-to-oval cells produced via budding and nucleardivision, while hyphae consist of elongated, tubular cells that facilitate invasion and dissemination.[9]Reproduction occurs predominantly through asexualbudding, though some diploid species undergo a parasexual cycle involving mating and chromosome loss, and chlamydospores may form in certain taxa like C. albicans.[6][10]Ecologically, Candida species are versatile, serving as commensals in the human microbiota, particularly colonizing mucosal surfaces such as the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and vagina, where they maintain balance with host defenses and other microbes.[11] Beyond human hosts, they inhabit diverse environments including soil, freshwater, seawater, decaying plant material, and even hypersaline or extreme niches, with isolates recovered from forests, wetlands, and urban estuaries.[12][13][14] Their opportunistic potential arises from biofilm formation on surfaces, enhancing persistence and resistance in both natural and host-associated settings.[15]The genus Candida was established in 1853 by Charles Philippe Robin to describe the fungal agent of oral thrush, initially classified among cryptogamic plants before firm recognition as a yeast in the late 19th century through cultivation studies.[16] Key species delineations, such as C. albicans and C. tropicalis, were refined in the early 20th century via morphological and physiological criteria, with molecular phylogenetics in the late 20th and early 21st centuries clarifying relationships and prompting reclassifications for some taxa.[4] In recent developments, C. auris emerged as a multidrug-resistant species first isolated in 2009 from a patient in Japan, leading to global outbreaks in healthcare settings through 2025, with cases nearly tripling in the US and rapid spread confirmed in Europe as of mid-2025, driven by its environmental adaptability and persistence.[17][18][19][20] These species play roles in human infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, underscoring their pathogenic versatility.[21]
Candidiasis and treatments
Candidiasis refers to a range of infections caused by overgrowth of Candida species, primarily affecting mucous membranes, skin, or deeper tissues in susceptible individuals. These infections are classified as superficial (mucocutaneous) or invasive (systemic), with superficial forms being more common and less severe, while invasive candidiasis, such as candidemia, carries high mortality rates of 30–50%.[22][23]Superficial candidiasis includes oral thrush (oropharyngeal candidiasis), characterized by white patches on the tongue and inner cheeks; vaginal yeast infections (vulvovaginal candidiasis), presenting as itching and discharge; cutaneous candidiasis, involving red rashes in moist skin folds; and esophageal candidiasis, with painful swallowing. Invasive forms encompass candidemia (bloodstream infection), intra-abdominal candidiasis, and disseminated infections affecting organs like the eyes (endophthalmitis), heart (endocarditis), or central nervous system (meningitis).[22][23] The distinction lies in superficial infections being localized to epithelial surfaces, often self-limiting, whereas invasive ones breach barriers, leading to sepsis in hospitalized patients.[22]Symptoms of superficial candidiasis typically include itching, burning, white curd-like patches, soreness, and erythema, with fatigue or discomfort in chronic cases; vaginal infections affect up to 75% of women at least once, often recurrent. Invasive candidiasis manifests with non-specific signs like persistent fever, chills, hypotension, and organ dysfunction, such as renal failure or respiratory distress, particularly in critically ill patients. Risk factors for both include immunosuppression (e.g., HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, or transplant recipients), diabetes mellitus, broad-spectrum antibiotic use disrupting microbiota, indwelling catheters, and prolonged hospitalization; additional risks for invasive disease involve neutropenia, abdominal surgery, and total parenteral nutrition.[22][23][22]Diagnosis of candidiasis relies on clinical suspicion combined with laboratory confirmation. For superficial infections, microscopy (KOH preparation showing budding yeast) and culture from swabs suffice, while esophageal cases may require endoscopy with biopsy. Invasive candidiasis is confirmed via blood cultures (two to three sets of 20 mL each, positive in ~50% of cases), with species identification using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for targeted therapy. Adjunctive methods include PCR assays for rapid detection, beta-D-glucan testing (sensitivity ~80% for invasive disease), and imaging (e.g., CT for deep-seated infections) to assess dissemination; ophthalmologic examination is recommended within one week of candidemia diagnosis to rule out endophthalmitis.[22][24][23]Treatment strategies follow guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA, 2016, with ongoing relevance) and the 2025 European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)/International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM)/American Society for Microbiology (ASM) global guideline, emphasizing antifungal susceptibility testing. For superficial candidiasis, topical azoles (e.g., clotrimazole) or oral fluconazole (150 mg single dose for vaginal infections) are first-line, with duration of 7-14 days. Invasive candidiasis prioritizes echinocandins as initial therapy (e.g., caspofungin 70 mg loading dose followed by 50 mg daily IV, or micafungin 100 mg daily), preferred over azoles due to broader activity against resistant strains; fluconazole (400-800 mg daily) serves as step-down therapy for susceptible isolates like C. albicans, while liposomal amphotericin B (3-5 mg/kg daily) is reserved for refractory or resistant cases, such as those involving C. krusei.[24][22] Newer agents like rezafungin (echinocandin, once-weekly dosing) and ibrexafungerp (triterpenoid) address resistance and offer oral options. Treatment duration is typically two weeks after bloodstream clearance and resolution of symptoms, with central venous catheter removal strongly advised to eliminate biofilms. Surgical debridement is indicated for focal infections like osteomyelitis.[22][23]Epidemiologically, invasive candidiasis affects over 1.5 million people annually worldwide, with candidemia comprising approximately 600,000–700,000 cases and a global incidence varying from 2–10 per 100,000 population depending on the region, rising in intensive care units due to aging populations and medical interventions. Prevention focuses on infection control: hand hygiene, proper catheter management, antimicrobial stewardship to curb antibiotic overuse, and antifungal prophylaxis (e.g., fluconazole 400 mg daily) in high-risk groups like neutropenic cancer patients or ICU admissions with multiple risk factors. Rising antifungal resistance complicates management, with fluconazole resistance in C. glabrata reaching 10-15% globally as of 2025, driven by efflux pumps and genetic mutations, alongside multidrug-resistant C. auris emergence.[22][25][22]Complications of untreated or recurrent candidiasis include progression from superficial to invasive disease, chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (a rare genetic disorder with persistent skin and mucosal infections linked to T-cell defects), and associations with gut dysbiosis, where Candida overgrowth disrupts microbiota balance, potentially exacerbating inflammatory bowel conditions or systemic inflammation in immunocompromised hosts.[22][26][27]
Places
Candida, Italy
Candida is a small comune in the province of Avellino, within the Campania region of southern Italy, situated on the eastern slopes of Mount Toppa at an elevation of 579 meters above sea level.[28] The territory covers 5.35 square kilometers and borders the neighboring communes of Lapio, Manocalzati, Montefalcione, Parolise, Pratola Serra, and San Potito Ultra, placing it approximately 14 kilometers northeast of the provincial capital, Avellino.[28] As part of the broader Irpinia historical-geographical area, Candida features hilly terrain conducive to agriculture. Its residents, known as Candidesi, numbered 1,104 according to the 2021 census, with a projected population of 1,095 by 2025, reflecting a gradual decline of about 0.27% annually.[29]The settlement's origins trace back to pre-Roman times, with the first historical documentation appearing in 1045 during the Lombard period, when it became integrated into the County of Avellino.[28] Medieval development accelerated under Norman rule in the 12th century, as evidenced by fortifications like the Filangieri Castle, initially constructed in the Lombard era and later renovated by the Normans to bolster regional control.[30] The name "Candida" derives from the Latin word candida, meaning "white," alluding to the light-colored limestone rocks prominent in the town's ancient core.[28] The area has endured significant seismic activity, including the 1930 Irpinia earthquake (magnitude 6.6), which caused widespread destruction across the province and resulted in over 1,400 deaths regionally, and the more devastating 1980 Irpinia earthquake (magnitude 6.9), which inflicted severe infrastructure damage in Avellino province, displacing thousands and exacerbating local vulnerabilities.[31][32]Economically, Candida has shifted from historical artisanal nail production to a focus on agriculture and emerging tourism, with key products including olives and the renowned Fiano di Avellino DOCG white wine, cultivated on the surrounding slopes.[28] Notable landmarks include the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, constructed in 1540 as a central parish church, and the ruins of the 12th-century Filangieri Castle, which overlook the historic center and symbolize the town's medieval heritage.[28] Cultural life revolves around annual events such as the Grape Harvest Festival in September, celebrating local viticulture, and the August event "Candida: Storia, Luoghi, Sapori e Arti Antiche," which highlights traditional foods like fusilli with pork rinds, historical reenactments, and artisanal crafts.[28]In contemporary times, Candida emphasizes rural heritage tourism to counter ongoing population decline driven by emigration, a trend affecting much of Irpinia where younger residents seek opportunities elsewhere, leading to a net loss of residents since the 1980s.[33] Modern facilities, such as the Municipal Sports Center and nearby wineries like Tenute Casoli, support community vitality and visitor appeal.[28] The town's etymological root in Latin candida shares a linguistic connection with the biological genusCandida, both evoking whiteness—rocks here and fungal colonies in microbiology—though the contexts remain distinct.[28]
Candida Casa, Scotland
Candida Casa, situated in Whithorn, Scotland, was established around 397 AD by Saint Ninian as Britain's first Christian church north of Hadrian's Wall.[34] The Latin name "Candida Casa," meaning "White House," is thought to derive from its distinctive whitewashed or lime-built construction, which stood out among contemporary local structures.[34] This foundation marked the beginning of organized Christianity in the region, transforming the site into a pivotal early monastic center.The site functioned as a key base for evangelizing the southern Picts and educating early Christian missionaries, extending its influence across northern Britain.[35] Over time, it evolved into Whithorn Priory, a major religious institution, where significant artifacts like the Latinus Stone—a 5th-century inscribed monument bearing one of Scotland's earliest Christian memorials—were discovered, providing direct evidence of post-Roman Christian activity.[36] These findings underscore the priory's role in preserving and spreading Christian traditions amid a transitioning cultural landscape.Whithorn Priory faced severe setbacks from Viking raids in the 10th century, which led to destruction and population displacement, contributing to a period of decline.[37] The medieval priory persisted as a center of worship and pilgrimage until its dissolution in 1560 during the Scottish Reformation, after which the structures fell into ruin.[37] Interest revived in the 19th century through archaeological excavations, including the 1891 discovery of the Latinus Stone during site clearances, which highlighted the area's ancient significance.[38]Today, the Whithorn Dig and Visitor Centre supports ongoing excavations, with a new phase of the Whithorn and Machars Archaeology Project commencing in 2025 to further uncover early Christian artifacts and structures.[39] The site remains a focal point for understanding Scotland's Christian origins and briefly served as a vital pilgrimage destination in British ecclesiastical history.[37]
People
Origin of the name
The name Candida originates from the Late Latin term candidus, meaning "white," symbolizing purity, brightness, and sincerity in ancient Roman culture.[40] This etymology reflects virtues such as candor and innocence, often associated with the color white in Roman symbolism for moral clarity and untainted character.[41] During Roman times, names derived from candidus were used to evoke these ideals, particularly among women to denote chastity and virtue.[42]With the spread of Christianity, the name gained prominence through its association with early saints, facilitating its adoption in religious contexts. One notable example is Saint Candida the Elder, a 1st-century legendary figure from Naples, Italy, who was reportedly cured of illness by Saint Peter and subsequently baptized, becoming an early convert who helped spread Christianity in the region.[43] This hagiographical tradition, along with other early saints bearing the name, embedded Candida in Christian nomenclature across Europe, emphasizing themes of purity and divine healing.[40] The feminine form remained exclusive to women, distinguishing it from masculine variants like Candide.[44]Historically, Candida enjoyed popularity in Romance-language cultures, particularly in Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian communities, where variants such as Cándida and Cândida were common. In Spain, for instance, Cándida ranked among the top 100 female names in the early 20th century, reflecting a peak in usage across Europe and Latin America during that era.[45] Its appeal stemmed from cultural ties to Catholic saints and literary traditions, including indirect influence from Voltaire's 1759 novella Candide, which popularized the root candidus in a satirical context of innocence and optimism, though as a masculine form.[46] In English-speaking countries, however, the name was rarer and declined sharply after the 1950s, largely due to negative associations with the medical term "Candida" for yeast infections, leading to its virtual absence from baby name lists.[47]In modern times, Candida has seen a significant decline in usage, particularly in the United States, where fewer than 100 girls have been named Candida annually since 2000, dropping to under 5 per year by the 2010s according to Social Security Administration data.[48] Despite this, it persists in Hispanic and Latin American populations, with higher incidence in countries like Colombia and the Dominican Republic.[49] Occasional revivals occur in artistic or literary circles, drawn to its classical resonance and symbolic purity.[50]
Notable individuals
Candida Doyle (born 1963), Northern Irish musician and keyboardist for the band Pulp.
Candida Höfer (born 1944), German photographer known for her large-scale images of architectural interiors.
Candida Lycett Green (1946–2014), British writer and landscape designer, daughter of author Evelyn Waugh.
Cándida María de Jesús (1845–1912), Spanish Roman Catholic nun and founder of the Congregation of the Daughters of Jesus; canonized as a saint in 2010.
Cándida de Armas Sardiñas (born 1987), Cuban freestyle wrestler who competed in Pan American Championships.[51]
Theatre, film, and television
Shaw's play
"Candida" is a three-act comedy written by George Bernard Shaw in 1894 and first published in 1898 as part of his collection Plays Pleasant.[52] The play is set in the 1890s in the parsonage of St. Dominic's in northeast London, focusing on a domestic love triangle that unfolds over a single day. It premiered professionally on April 26, 1904, at the Royal Court Theatre in London during the Vedrenne-Barker seasons, marking Shaw's first significant box-office success.[53] Influenced by Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House, Shaw crafted the work as a witty subversion of Victorian dramatic conventions, emphasizing dialogue-driven exploration over dramatic action.[52]The plot centers on Reverend James Mavor Morell, a charismatic Christian socialist preacher in his forties, his wife Candida Morell, aged thirty-three, and the young poet Eugene Marchbanks, an eighteen-year-old aristocrat infatuated with Candida. The story begins with Marchbanks declaring his love for Candida to Morell, prompting a confrontation that reveals underlying tensions in the Morells' marriage. As the narrative progresses through conversations in the parsonage, Marchbanks idealizes Candida as a muse who deserves freedom from domestic life, while Morell assumes his wife's devotion stems from admiration for his social work. In the climax, Candida orchestrates an auction in which both men bid for her loyalty; she ultimately chooses Morell, declaring him the "weaker vessel" who truly depends on her strength and management, inverting traditional romantic expectations. Supporting characters, including Morell's secretary Miss Proserpine Garnett and Candida's pragmatic father Mr. Burgess, add comic relief and social commentary on class and labor.[54][55]Key characters embody Shaw's satirical lens on Victorian society. Candida emerges as an intelligent, pragmatic, and empathetic figure who wields subtle power in her household, challenging passive female stereotypes through her decisive agency. Morell appears as a robust, self-assured orator whose socialist ideals mask his emotional reliance on Candida, highlighting the fragility beneath charismatic authority. Marchbanks represents youthful idealism and artistic sensitivity, initially viewing love as transcendent but ultimately learning self-reliance after Candida rejects his romantic illusions.[52][54]The play's themes critique Victorian marriage and gender roles, portraying wedlock not as romantic idealization but as a pragmatic partnership based on mutual need and power dynamics—"who needs whom?" encapsulates the Shavian wit at its core. It contrasts socialism, embodied in Morell's advocacy for the working class, with Marchbanks's individualistic idealism, questioning how personal relationships intersect with broader social reforms. Shaw uses these elements to expose hypocrisies in domestic and public spheres, with Candida's choice affirming women's often unrecognized strength in sustaining male-dominated structures.[54][52]Critically, "Candida" has been acclaimed for its feminist undertones, with scholars noting Candida's portrayal as a progressive female lead who subverts Ibsenian rebellion by embracing interdependence on her terms. Its reception underscores enduring popularity, particularly in interpretations linking the play to socialist critiques, as it invites audiences to examine evolving notions of love, dependency, and gender equity.[54][52]
Adaptations
The first major stage revival of George Bernard Shaw's Candida on Broadway occurred in 1903, starring Arnold Daly as the poet Eugene Marchbanks in a production that ran for 133 performances at the Princess Theatre, marking the play's successful American debut.[56] Subsequent Broadway revivals included a 1922 production at the Klaw Theatre and a 1946 mounting at the Cort Theatre, reflecting the play's enduring popularity in professional theater circles.[57][58] In 1981, Joanne Woodward starred as Candida in a Broadway revival directed by Michael Cristofer at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, which ran for 45 performances and highlighted the character's intellectual depth in a modern context.[59]Sound-era adaptations expanded to television. The 1971 BBC Play of the Month production, directed by Alan Cooke, starred Ian Holm as Reverend Morell, capturing the ideological tensions between socialism and domesticity in a 90-minute broadcast. In 1983, the American television adaptation Broadway on Showtime: Candida, directed by Tony Bill and produced by Circle in the Square Theatre, starred Joanne Woodward as Candida and Jane Curtin as the secretary Proserpine Garnett, airing on Showtime and focusing on the power dynamics within the Morell household.[60]Off-Broadway revivals have offered fresh interpretations. The Gingold Theatrical Group's 2022 production at Theatre Row, directed by David Staller, reimagined the play set in 1929 Harlem, with Avanthika Srinivasan as Candida and R.J. Foster as Morell, incorporating Sondheim-inspired musical elements to explore racial and gender themes.[61]Modern stagings, such as the 2013 Boomerang Theatre Company production in New York, recontextualized the narrative for contemporary audiences, emphasizing feminist undertones.[62]Recent updates demonstrate increased accessibility through archival means. The Irish Repertory Theatre's 2010 production, directed by Tony Walton and starring Melissa Errico as Candida, was recorded for the New York Public Library's Theatre on Film and Tape Archive, preserving the performance for scholarly access.[63] In 2025, the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, mounted a revival from April 30 to May 17, directed by Severn Thompson, which updated the setting to the 1950s to underscore feminist perspectives.[64]
Music
Songs
The most prominent song titled "Candida" is the 1970 bubblegum pop single recorded by the American group Dawn, featuring lead vocals by Tony Orlando. Written by songwriters Irwin Levine and Toni Wine, the track captures a lighthearted theme of innocent, youthful love, with lyrics portraying a narrator's devotion to a girl named Candida amid whispers from friends questioning their match.[65]Released in July 1970 on Bell Records, "Candida" achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for two weeks and charting for 18 weeks total, while reaching number 8 on the Adult Contemporary chart. Internationally, it hit number 2 on Canada's RPM Top Singles and number 9 in Australia. The single was certified gold by the RIAA, indicating sales of over 1 million copies in the US, helping launch Dawn's career alongside follow-up hits like "Knock Three Times."[65][66]The song has inspired various covers, including instrumental versions by orchestra leader Billy Vaughn in 1971 and a rock adaptation by Yugoslav singer Bata Illic that same year.Beyond the original, other recordings titled "Candida" span genres and eras, such as the 1970s Filipino novelty track "Nagbomba Si Candida" by D' Big 3 Sullivans, which playfully reinterprets the theme in local style, and the 1973 Italian pop song "Candida Sidelia" by Amedeo Minghi. In more recent indie and alternative scenes, electronic producer Patrick Cowley posthumously collaborated with performer Candida Royalle on the track "Candida Cosmica" from their 2016 EP, blending synth elements with erotic undertones. Up to 2025, emerging acts like the deathcore band CANDIDA released singles such as "Architects" in 2024, evoking the name in a heavier, modern context.[67]"Candida" has endured in popular culture through its nostalgic appeal, experiencing a resurgence in streaming on platforms like Spotify, where it garners millions of plays annually, often featured in retro playlists and user-generated content.[68]
Albums and bands
The debut album Candida by the American pop vocal group Dawn (later rebranded as Tony Orlando and Dawn) was released in 1970 on Bell Records. Produced by Hank Medress and Dave Appell, it served as the group's first full-length release and includes 11 tracks, such as the title song "Candida," a cover of "Up on the Roof" originally by the Drifters, "Rainy Day Man" written by James Taylor, and "What Are You Doing Sunday" co-written by Toni Wine.[69][70][71]The album has been reissued in various formats, including digital versions available on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music since the 2020s.[72][70]In electronic and experimental music, Candida Cosmica is a 2016 EP by synthesizer pioneer Patrick Cowley in collaboration with filmmaker Candida Royalle, compiling five mid-1970s tracks characterized by cosmic and oceanic soundscapes created with analog synthesizers. Released by Dark Entries Records, it highlights Cowley's early pre-disco explorations in San Francisco's underground scene.[73][74]
Other uses
Candida diet
The Candida diet is a restrictive wellness regimen promoted as a means to combat alleged overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans in the body, often linked to nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue, digestive issues, and brain fog.[75] Originating in the 1980s, it gained initial traction through physician William G. Crook's book The Yeast Connection, published in 1983, which proposed that dietary changes could address "yeast-related" health problems by limiting foods that purportedly feed candida.[76] The diet's popularity resurged in the 2020s, driven by social media platforms like TikTok, where influencers shared personal anecdotes and meal plans, leading to hundreds of viral videos promoting candida cleanses.[77]At its core, the Candida diet follows low-sugar and low-carbohydrate principles designed to "starve" candida by eliminating potential fuel sources, while avoiding yeast-containing items, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol to prevent further proliferation.[75] It emphasizes anti-inflammatory whole foods and incorporates natural antifungals, such as garlic—which contains allicin, a compound with demonstrated antifungal properties against Candidaspecies in laboratory studies—and probiotics to support gut balance.[78] Proponents also recommend supplements like caprylic acid, a medium-chain fatty acid found in coconut oil that has shown effectiveness in inhibiting Candida albicans growth in test-tube research.[79]Foods permitted on the diet include non-starchy vegetables (e.g., broccoli, spinach), lean proteins (e.g., chicken, fish), and healthy fats (e.g., olive oil, avocados) to maintain nutrition while minimizing sugars.[80] Excluded items encompass added sugars, grains (especially gluten-containing ones like wheat), most dairy products, and fermented foods, as these are believed to exacerbate yeast activity, though some variations allow limited low-sugar fruits like berries.[80] Common additions include herbal teas and bone broth during an initial "cleanse" phase.Typically followed for 3 to 6 months or until symptoms subside, the diet may include variations such as a stricter initial 2- to 3-day detox focused on fluids or vegetables, followed by a maintenance phase reintroducing select foods gradually.[80] However, scientific evidence supporting the diet's efficacy is limited; as of 2025, the Mayo Clinic describes it as unproven, with no clinical trials demonstrating it treats or prevents candida overgrowth, and any perceived benefits likely arising from reduced processed food intake and general anti-inflammatory effects.[75] Critics highlight potential risks, including nutrient deficiencies from long-term restriction of grains and fruits, which could lead to inadequate fiber, vitamins, and minerals if not monitored.[81]
Botanical species
The specific epithet candida in binomial nomenclature originates from Latin, denoting "white" or "shining white," and is commonly applied to plant species featuring white flowers, silvery foliage, or pale stems.[82] This descriptor appears across diverse plant families, such as Salicaceae, Malvaceae, and Rubiaceae, with species distributed primarily in North and South America. These plants often inhabit wetland, meadow, or forest understory environments, contributing to local biodiversity through pollination support and wildlife habitat provision. Notably, the botanical use of candida is unrelated to the fungal genus Candida, which pertains to yeast pathogens.[83]One prominent example is Salix candida Flueggé ex Willd., known as sageleaf or hoary willow, a deciduous shrub in the Salicaceae family native to northern North America, including regions from Alaska to the northeastern United States and across Canada.[84] It typically grows 0.5–2 meters tall in calcareous wetlands, bogs, fens, and riparian zones, characterized by densely white-woolly twigs and leaves with silvery undersides due to persistent hairs, which aid in frost resistance and water retention.[85] Ecologically, S. candida stabilizes shorelines, provides nesting cover for birds and small mammals, and supports pollinators like bees during its catkin flowering in spring; it is considered of conservation concern in southern parts of its range due to wetland drainage and altered hydrology.[86] Ornamentally, it is valued in native landscaping for erosion control and aesthetic silvery foliage, with historical uses in basketry by Indigenous communities, though not for medicinal purposes here.Another key species is Sidalcea candida A. Gray, or white checkermallow, a perennial herb in the Malvaceae family endemic to the western United States, particularly mountain meadows and streambanks in Colorado, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming at elevations up to 2,500 meters.[87] Reaching 0.5–1 meter in height, it features lobed basal leaves, upright stems, and clusters of white to pale pink flowers (about 2.5 cm wide) blooming from June to September, attracting native bees and butterflies as a nectar source.[88] In ecological contexts, it enhances meadow diversity and serves as a larval host for checkerspot butterflies, while facing threats from grazing and invasive species in fragile montane habitats.[89] It is cultivated as an ornamental wildflower in pollinator gardens for its long bloom period and low maintenance.[90]In tropical regions, Palicourea candida C.M. Taylor, a shrub in the Rubiaceae family, is native to the Andean region of Colombia and central Ecuador, including Napo Province, where it grows in wet montane forests at 1,500–2,500 meters elevation.[91] This understory species, up to 3 meters tall, produces white tubular flowers and elliptic leaves, adapted to humid, shaded conditions. It plays a role in forest understory structure, supporting bird-dispersed seed propagation and invertebrate habitats, but is classified as vulnerable due to deforestation and habitat fragmentation.[92] Limited ornamental use exists in native Ecuadorian horticulture, emphasizing its role in biodiversityconservation.[93]Recent biodiversity surveys in the 2020s, such as those in North American wetlands and South American tropics, highlight ongoing habitat loss for candida-named plants due to climate change and land conversion, underscoring the need for targeted restoration efforts.