Melanochyla caesia

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Melanochyla caesia
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. caesia
Binomial name
Melanochyla caesia
Synonyms [2]
  • Cassuvium caesium (Blume) Kuntze
  • Semecarpus caesius Blume
  • Melanochyla maingayi Hook.f.

Melanochyla caesia is a flowering plant in the family Anacardiaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia. [3]

Contents

Description

Melanochyla caesia grows as a tree up to 27 m (90 ft) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 30 cm (12 in). The brown or grey bark is smooth or scaly. The leathery leaves are lanceolate or oblong and measure up to 20 cm (8 in) long and to 4.5 cm (1.8 in) wide. The inflorescences , in panicles , feature yellow or white flowers. The smooth fruits measure up to 5 cm (2 in) long. [3]

Taxonomy

Melanochyla caesia was first described in 1850 as Semecarpus caesius by botanist Carl Ludwig Blume in the journal Blumea . In 1978, Dutch botanist Ding Hou transferred the species to the genus Melanochyla . [2] The specific epithet caesia means 'blueish', referring to the lower surface of the leaves. [3]

Distribution and habitat

Melanochyla caesia is native to Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra and Borneo. Its habitat is in lowland dipterocarp and kerangas forests to elevations of 500 m (1,600 ft). [1] [3]

Conservation

Melanochyla caesia has been assessed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Its habitat is threatened by deforestation, especially in Sumatra and Borneo. It is present in two protected areas. [1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Ganesan, S.K. (2021). "Melanochyla caesia". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2021: e.T194361980A194362012. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T194361980A194362012.en . Retrieved 24 July 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 "Melanochyla caesia (Blume) Ding Hou". Plants of the World Online . Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew . Retrieved 24 July 2025.
  3. 1 2 3 4 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. p. 53. ISBN   983-9592-56-4.