Rhodolaena acutifolia
| Rhodolaena acutifolia | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Sarcolaenaceae |
| Genus: | Rhodolaena |
| Species: | R. acutifolia |
| Binomial name | |
| Rhodolaena acutifolia Baker[1] | |
Rhodolaena acutifolia is a plant in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar. The specific epithet acutifolia is from the Latin meaning "sharp-leafed".
Description
Rhodolaena acutifolia grows as a small tree or shrub.[2] Its leaves are small, subcoriaceous, elliptic in shape, tapering to a point and sharp at the base. They measure up to 3 centimetres (1.2 in) wide.[3] The flowers are paired in solitary inflorescences on a long stem.[2][3] Individual flowers are very large with bright purple-pink petals, measuring up 5 cm (2 in) long.[2] The fruits are dark green, drying black.[3]
Distribution and habitat
Rhodolaena acutifolia is only found in the east central regions of Analamanga, Alaotra-Mangoro and Analanjirofo.[1] Its habitat is humid evergreen forests from 350 m (1,000 ft) to 800 m (2,600 ft) altitude. Two subpopulations of the trees are in Zahamena National Park.[2]
Threats
Rhodolaena acutifolia is threatened by harvesting for timber. Due to shifting cultivation, future habitat loss is predicted at up to 50%. The preliminary status of the species is Vulnerable.[2]
References
- 1 2 "Rhodolaena acutifolia". Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of Madagascar. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 23 Oct 2016 – via Tropicos.org.
- 1 2 3 4 5 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. 9. Retrieved 23 Oct 2016.
- 1 2 3 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. Paris: Publications Scientifiques du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle. 22 (2): 242–243. Retrieved 23 Oct 2016.