Martellidendron hornei

Martellidendron hornei (Vakwa Parasol, or Vacoa Parasol) is a species of plant in the Pandan, or Screwpine family (Pandanaceae), one of several Pandanus species that are endemic to the Seychelles.

Martellidendron hornei
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Pandanales
Family: Pandanaceae
Genus: Martellidendron
Species:
M. hornei
Binomial name
Martellidendron hornei
Balf.f. Callm. & Chassot (2003)
Synonyms[2]

Pandanus hornei Balf.f. (1877)

Description

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This species is a tall (15 meters, or 49 feet), erect tree. It has a single, tall, straight trunk, with a spreading, parasol-like canopy only near the top. Its branches usually divide into groups of three.

Its stilt-roots are characteristically large but very closely packed.

Distribution and habitat

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Martellidendron hornei is endemic to the Seychelles, and was formerly common on all of the granitic islands. In valleys and on wetter slopes it was a dominant part of the original forests. It is currently threatened by habitat loss and invasive alien species such as Falcataria falcata.

References

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  1. ^ Ismail, S.; Huber, M.J.; Mougal, J. (2011). "Martellidendron hornei". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2011: e.T30508A9555288. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-2.RLTS.T30508A9555288.en. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  2. ^ Martellidendron hornei (Balf.f.) Callm. & Chassot. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 12 November 2023.