Rhodolaena macrocarpa is a tree in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar. The specific epithet macrocarpa means 'large-fruited'.
Rhodolaena macrocarpa | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Malvales |
Family: | Sarcolaenaceae |
Genus: | Rhodolaena |
Species: | R. macrocarpa
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Binomial name | |
Rhodolaena macrocarpa |
Description
editRhodolaena macrocarpa grows as a tree up to 10 metres (30 ft) tall. The branches are glabrous. Its leaves, also glabrous, are elliptic in shape, dry olive green and measure up to 11.2 centimetres (4 in) long. The inflorescences have a single flower, uniquely for the genus, on a peduncle measuring up to 7.5 cm (3 in) long.[3] Individual flowers are large with five sepals and five purple-red petals, measuring up to 5 cm (2 in) long. The round fruits are large and woody, measuring up to 1.7 cm (1 in) in diameter, with a fleshy involucre. The fruit is the largest of the genus.[3][4]
Distribution and habitat
editRhodolaena macrocarpa is known only from the northern region of Sava.[2] Its habitat is humid evergreen forest at around 150 metres (500 ft) altitude.[4]
Threats
editRhodolaena macrocarpa is threatened by timber exploitation. Future population decline of the tree due to habitat loss is predicted at greater than 80%. The single population of the species is not in a protected area.[4] The conservation status of the species is endangered.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b Manjato, N. (2019). "Rhodolaena macrocarpa". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T68501426A185381500. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
- ^ a b "Rhodolaena macrocarpa". Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of Madagascar. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 25 October 2016 – via Tropicos.org.
- ^ a b Schatz, George E.; Lowry II, Porter P.; Wolf, Anne-Elizabeth (2000). "Endemic families of Madagascar. VI. A synoptic revision of Rhodolaena (Sarcolaenaceae)" (PDF). Adansonia. 3. 22 (2). Paris: Publications Scientifiques du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle: 247, 248, 250–251. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
- ^ a b c Birkinshaw, Chris; Andrianjafy, Mamisoa; Edmond, Roger; Hong-Wa, Cynthia; Rajeriarison, Charlotte; Schatz, George (July 2004). "Red Lists for Malagasy Plants. V: Rhodolaena (Sarcolaenaceae)" (PDF). Missouri Botanical Garden. p. 16. Retrieved 25 October 2016.