Schizolaena gereaui

Schizolaena gereaui
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malvales
Family: Sarcolaenaceae
Genus: Schizolaena
Species:
S. gereaui
Binomial name
Schizolaena gereaui
Lowry, G.E.Schatz, J.-F.Leroy & A.-E.Wolf[2]

Schizolaena gereaui is a plant in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar. The specific epithet is for the botanist Roy Emile Gereau.[3]

Description

Schizolaena gereaui grows as a shrub or tree up to 10 metres (33 ft) tall with a trunk diameter of up to 30 cm (12 in). Its subcoriaceous leaves are elliptic to obovate in shape and coloured chocolate brown above and khaki brown below. They measure up to 6.5 cm (3 in) long. The inflorescences have one to three flowers, each with five petals. The round fruits measure up to 1 cm (0.4 in) in diameter.[3]

Distribution and habitat

Schizolaena gereaui is known only from the eastern regions of Sava, Atsimo-Atsinanana, Vatovavy-Fitovinany, Atsinanana and Anosy.[2] Its habitat is humid forest from sea level to about 400 m (1,300 ft) altitude.[3]

Conservation

Schizolaena gereaui has been assessed as least concern on the IUCN Red List. Its habitat is threatened by conversion of land for agriculture, by harvesting of the species, wildfires and mining activities. However, the species is widespread in the east of the country and is present in numerous protected areas, including Andohahela, Masoala, Midongy du sud and Ranomafana national parks; Manombo Special Reserve; and Tsitongambarika protected area.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b Manjato, N. (2019). "Schizolaena gereaui". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019 e.T64563522A64564960. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
  2. ^ a b "Schizolaena gereaui". Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of Madagascar. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 29 October 2016 – via Tropicos.org.
  3. ^ a b c 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: 195–198. Retrieved 29 October 2016.