Xerochlamys elliptica

Xerochlamys elliptica
Conservation status
Endangered  (IUCN 3.1) [1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Malvales
Family:	Sarcolaenaceae
Genus:	Xerochlamys
Species:	X. elliptica
Binomial name
Xerochlamys elliptica F.Gérard [2] [3]

Xerochlamys elliptica is a tree in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar.

Description

Xerochlamys elliptica grows as a small tree up to 8 metres (30 ft) tall with a trunk diameter of up to 20 cm (8 in). Its dark green coriaceous leaves are elliptic in shape and measure up to 4 cm (2 in) long. The tree's flowers are usually solitary or sometimes in inflorescences of two flowers, with white, or rarely pinkish, petals. The round fruits measure up to 0.9 cm (0.4 in) long. ^[3]

Distribution and habitat

Xerochlamys elliptica is only found in the central regions of Vakinankaratra and Amoron'i Mania. ^[2] Its habitat is subhumid evergreen forests from 1,300 metres (4,300 ft) to 1,600 m (5,200 ft) altitude. ^[3]

Threats

Xerochlamys elliptica is threatened by deforestation due to wildfires and mining. No populations are currently within protected areas. ^[1]

References

1. Members of the IUCN SSC Madagascar Plant Specialist Group (2016). "Xerochlamys elliptica". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2016 e.T70102118A70110393. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T70102118A70110393.en . Retrieved 12 November 2021.
2. "Xerochlamys elliptica". Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of Madagascar. Missouri Botanical Garden . Retrieved 19 Oct 2016– via Tropicos.org.
3. Hong-Wa, Cynthia (2009). "Endemic families of Madagascar. XII. Resurrection and taxonomic revision of the genera Mediusella (Cavaco) Hutchinson and Xerochlamys Baker (Sarcolaenaceae)" (PDF). Adansonia. 3. 31 (2). Paris: Publications Scientifiques du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle: 329–330. doi: 10.5252/a2009n2a7 . S2CID   84912526 . Retrieved 19 Oct 2016.