Schizolaena pectinata is a tree in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar.

Schizolaena pectinata
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malvales
Family: Sarcolaenaceae
Genus: Schizolaena
Species:
S. pectinata
Binomial name
Schizolaena pectinata

Description

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Schizolaena pectinata grows as a tree up to 25 metres (80 ft) tall. Its elliptic to ovate leaves measure up to 7.5 cm (3 in) long.[3] The small flowers are white or pink.[1] The involucre of the flowers is fleshy and laciniate.[3] It is thought to attract lemurs, bats and birds who in turn disperse the tree's seeds.[1]

Distribution and habitat

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Schizolaena pectinata is known only from the eastern regions of Vatovavy-Fitovinany, Alaotra-Mangoro and Atsinanana. Its habitat is humid and subhumid forests from sea-level to 1,000 m (3,300 ft) altitude.[2]

Threats

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Two subpopulations of the species are in the protected areas of Betampona Integral Natural Reserve and Perinet-Analamazaotra Special Reserve. Outside of these areas, the species is threatened by shifting patterns of agriculture.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Members of the IUCN SSC Madagascar Plant Specialist Group (2016). "Schizolaena pectinata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T69221985A69233709. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T69221985A69233709.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Schizolaena pectinata". Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of Madagascar. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 2 December 2016 – via Tropicos.org.
  3. ^ a b Lowry II, Porter P.; Schatz, George E.; Leroy, Jean-François; Wolf, Anne-Elizabeth (Jan 1999). "Endemic families of Madagascar. III. A synoptic revision of Schizolaena (Sarcolaenaceae)". Adansonia. 3. 21 (2). Paris: Publications Scientifiques du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle: 187, 206. Retrieved 2 December 2016.