The genus was first proposed in 2002. The type speciesK. sinensis was first isolated from cave soil in Guilin, China. The genus is named after Hans Knöll, a German physician and microbiologist, and a "pioneer in antibiotic research.[1] Other members of this genus have been initially isolated from soil, air, and pig manure.[4][5]K. remsis was originally classified in the genus Tetrasphaera, but was reclassified into Knoellia in 2018.[6][7]
Species from this genus produce white or cream-colored colonies on R2A agar, expect for K. flava, which produces yellow colonies. All species are mesophilic; optimum growth is between 28 and 35 °C and pH 5.0-9.0.[3][5]K. remsis is the only species capable of growth above 42 °C.[6]