Megistostegium perrieri

Megistostegium perrieri
Conservation status
Endangered  (IUCN 3.1) [1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Malvales
Family:	Malvaceae
Genus:	Megistostegium
Species:	M. perrieri
Binomial name
Megistostegium perrieri Hochr. [2]

Megistostegium perrieri is a plant in the family Malvaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar.

Description

Megistostegium perrieri grows as a shrub up to 1 metre (3 ft) tall. Its large leaves are orbicular to round in shape. They are coloured gray-green and measure up to 5.4 cm (2 in) long. The flowers are pendant with an epicalyx that matures to a deep maroon colour. The pollen is yellow when fresh. ^[3]

Distribution and habitat

Megistostegium perrieri is found only on the coastline of the Mahafaly Plateau of Toliara Province in southern Madagascar, including in the Special Reserve at Cape Sainte Marie. ^{[1] [3]} Its habitat is in rocky areas from sea level to about 500 m (1,600 ft) elevation. ^{[2] [3]}

Conservation

Megistostegium perrieri has been assessed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. It is threatened by land conversion for agriculture, mining and forestry. It is also threatened by wildfires.. ^[1]

Uses

The leaves of M. perrieri are locally used to treat coughs. The branches are sometimes used for decorative purposes. ^[3]

References

1. Faranirina, L. (2018). "Megistostegium perrieri". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2018 e.T70102776A70103063. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
2. "Megistostegium perrieri". Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of Madagascar. Missouri Botanical Garden . Retrieved 11 May 2017– via Tropicos.org.
3. Koopman, Margaret M. (2011). "A synopsis of the Malagasy endemic genus Megistostegium Hochr. (Hibisceae, Malvaceae)" (PDF). Adansonia. 3. 33 (1). Paris: Publications Scientifiques du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle: 112–113. doi: 10.5252/a2011n1a7 . S2CID   85429003 . Retrieved 11 May 2017.