Ravenea moorei

Last updated

Ravenea moorei
Ravenea moorei.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Arecales
Family: Arecaceae
Genus: Ravenea
Species:
R. moorei
Binomial name
Ravenea moorei
J.Dransf. & N.W.Uhl

Ravenea moorei is a species of palm tree. It is endemic to the Comoros. This species is critically endangered, with only two mature specimens last noted in 1993. [1] In 2023, a small population was found by researchers from Kew Gardens. [2]

Contents

Etymology

Ravenea moorei was named by John Dransfield and Natalie Uhl in honor of noted palm botanist Harold E. Moore. [3]

Description

Ravenea moorei grows as a tree between 15 and 20 m tall. The trunk is grey or brown, with a diameter between 11 and 35 cm across. An individual will between 11 and 19 green leaves in its crown, each measuring between 2 and 3 m long and 70 cm across, with between 60 and 80 smaller leaflets growing from the rachis. The inflorescence resembles a brush and emerges from between the leaves. The species is dioecious. [2]

The fruits are yellow-orange, fleshy, 16 mm in diameter and contain a spherical dark brown seed.

Range and habitat

The only recorded specimens of Ravenea moorei in the wild have been found on Grande Comore, in rainforest between 700 and 1000m. Recent sightings have been on Mount Karthala. [4]

References

  1. 1 2 Johnson, D. (1998). "Ravenea moorei". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 1998 e.T38674A10142745. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.1998.RLTS.T38674A10142745.en . Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  2. 1 2 "Ravenea moorei". Kew.org. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
  3. Dransfield, John; Uhl, Natalie W. (1986). "Ravenea in the Comores". Principes. 30 (4): 156–160.
  4. Graham, Debbie (1 August 2024). "Rarest plants in the world: Discover 10 threatened flora on the brink of extinction, from the experts at Kew Gardens". Discover Wildlife. Retrieved 22 October 2024.