| Schizolaena hystrix | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Sarcolaenaceae |
| Genus: | Schizolaena |
| Species: | S. hystrix |
| Binomial name | |
| Schizolaena hystrix | |
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. [3]
Schizolaena hystrix grows as a large tree up to 35 metres (110 ft) tall. Its leaves are coriaceous. [3] The spiny involucre is fleshy and is thought to attract lemurs, bats and birds who in turn disperse the tree's seeds. [1]
Schizolaena hystrix is known only from the northeastern regions of Sava, Alaotra-Mangoro, Analanjirofo and Atsinanana. [2] Its habitat is humid evergreen forests from sea-level to 1,500 m (5,000 ft) altitude. [1]
Schizolaena hystrix is threatened by deforestation and by threats to the lemur. Deforestation due to shifting agriculture is occurring outside protected areas. However, 9 of 14 subpopulations of the tree are within protected areas. Threats to lemurs would in turn affect the tree's reproduction due to their role in seed dispersal. [1]
 | This Sarcolaenaceae-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
