Rhodolaena coriacea

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Rhodolaena coriacea
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malvales
Family: Sarcolaenaceae
Genus: Rhodolaena
Species:
R. coriacea
Binomial name
Rhodolaena coriacea

Rhodolaena coriacea is a tree in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar. The specific epithet coriacea means 'leathery', referring to the leaves.

Contents

Description

Rhodolaena coriacea grows as a tree from 5 to 25 metres (20 to 80 ft) tall. Its large, coriaceous leaves are elliptic in shape and measure up to 14.5 centimetres (6 in) long. [3] The inflorescences have one or two flowers on a long peduncle. Individual flowers are large with five sepals and five purple-pink petals, measuring up 5 cm (2 in) long. The fruits are medium-sized and woody, with a fleshy involucre. The involucre is reportedly eaten by lemurs, facilitating seed dispersal. [4]

Distribution and habitat

Rhodolaena coriacea is only found in the eastern regions of Sava, Vatovavy-Fitovinany, Alaotra-Mangoro and Analanjirofo. [2] Its habitat is coastal and evergreen forests from 20 to 1,700 metres (100 to 5,600 ft) altitude. [4]

Threats

Rhodolaena coriacea is threatened by timber exploitation and threats to the lemur population. Future population decline of the tree due to habitat loss is predicted at 50% to 80%, though some subpopulations are considered secure in protected areas. Threats to lemurs would in turn affect the tree's reproduction due to their role in seed dispersal. [4]

The timber is used in construction. Deforestation is a threat to this and other tree species. Due to shifting patterns of agriculture, deforestation is extensive outside of protected areas. [1]

Related Research Articles

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Schizolaena exinvolucrata is a tree in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar.

Schizolaena hystrix is a tree in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar. The specific epithet hystrix means 'spiny', referring to the porcupine-like appearance of the involucre.

Schizolaena isaloensis is a tree in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar. The specific epithet refers to Isalo National Park, near where the species was identified.

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Schizolaena milleri is a tree in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar. It is named for the botanical collector James Spencer Miller.

Schizolaena parviflora is a tree in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar. The specific epithet parviflora means 'small flowers'.

Schizolaena pectinata is a tree in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar.

<i>Pentachlaena latifolia</i> Species of flowering plant

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References

  1. 1 2 Members of the IUCN SSC Madagascar Plant Specialist Group (2016). "Rhodolaena coriacea". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2016: e.T70102306A70137533. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T70102306A70137533.en . Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  2. 1 2 "Rhodolaena coriacea". Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of Madagascar. Missouri Botanical Garden . Retrieved 24 Oct 2016– via Tropicos.org.
  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. 22 (2). Paris: Publications Scientifiques du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle: 244–246. Retrieved 24 Oct 2016.
  4. 1 2 3 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. 13. Retrieved 24 Oct 2016.
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