Xerochlamys itremoensis

Xerochlamys itremoensis
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. itremoensis
Binomial name
Xerochlamys itremoensis Hong-Wa, G.E.Schatz & Lowry [2] [3]

Xerochlamys itremoensis is a shrub in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar.

Description

Xerochlamys itremoensis grows as a prostrate shrub. Its leaves are glossy green above, green to yellow on the underside. They are elliptic in shape and measure up to 2 cm (1 in) long. The tree's flowers are solitary with pink to white petals. The roundish to ovoid fruits measure up to 0.8 cm (0.3 in) long with black seeds. ^[3]

Distribution and habitat

Xerochlamys itremoensis is only found in the Itremo Massif in the central region of Amoron'i Mania. ^[2] Its habitat is subhumid woodlands from 1,300 metres (4,300 ft) to 1,800 m (6,000 ft) altitude. ^[3]

Threats

Xerochlamys itremoensis, along with other plant species endemic to the Itremo Massif, is threatened by wildfires, harvesting and mining. The species often grows in rocky areas where quartzite and marble are present and mined. ^[3] The conservation status of the species is endangered. ^[1]

References

1. Randriantsara, F. (2019). "Xerochlamys itremoensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2019: e.T122380888A122414905. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
2. "Xerochlamys itremoensis". Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of Madagascar. Missouri Botanical Garden . Retrieved 19 October 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: 330–332. doi: 10.5252/a2009n2a7 . S2CID   84912526 . Retrieved 19 October 2016.