Melanochyla bullata

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Melanochyla bullata
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Sapindales
Family: Anacardiaceae
Genus: Melanochyla
Species:
M. bullata
Binomial name
Melanochyla bullata

Melanochyla bullata is a flowering plant in the family Anacardiaceae. It is native to Borneo. [3]

Contents

Description

Melanochyla bullata grows as a tree up to 30 m (100 ft) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 80 cm (30 in). The brown bark is smooth or scaly. The leaves are obovate to oblanceoate and measure up to 42 cm (17 in) long and to 9 cm (4 in) wide. The inflorescences , in panicles , feature yellow flowers. The ovoid fruits are velvety and measure up to 4.5 cm (1.8 in) long. [3]

Taxonomy

Melanochyla bullata was first described in 1978 by Dutch botanist Ding Hou in Blumea . [2] The type specimen was collected in Sarawak on Borneo. The specific epithet bullata means 'inflated', referring to the upper surface of the leaves. [3]

Distribution and habitat

Melanochyla bullata is endemic to Borneo. Its habitat is in lowland forests, to elevations of 500 m (1,600 ft). [1]

Conservation

Melanochyla bullata has been assessed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Its habitat is threatened by deforestation and by conversion of land for plantations and agriculture. The species is present in two protected areas. [1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 de Kok, R. (2023). "Melanochyla bullata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2023: e.T202410653A202411729. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2023-1.RLTS.T202410653A202411729.en . Retrieved 23 July 2025.
  2. 1 2 "Melanochyla bullata Ding Hou". Plants of the World Online . Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew . Retrieved 23 July 2025.
  3. 1 2 3 Kochummen, K. M. (1996). "Melanochyla Hook.f.". In Soepadmo, E.; Wong, K. M.; Saw, L. G. (eds.). Tree Flora of Sabah and Sarawak. Vol. 2. Forest Research Institute Malaysia. pp. 52–53. ISBN   983-9592-56-4.