Biology:Rhodolaena altivola

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Short description: Species of tree

Rhodolaena altivola
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malvales
Family: Sarcolaenaceae
Genus: Rhodolaena
Species:
R. altivola
Binomial name
Rhodolaena altivola
Thouars[2]

Rhodolaena altivola is a tree in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar . The naturalist and explorer Alfred Russel Wallace described it as "among the most magnificent flowering plants in the world".[3]

Description

Rhodolaena altivola grows as a small to medium-sized tree. It has medium, ovate leaves. The inflorescences have one or two flowers on a long stem. Individual flowers are very large with five sepals and five purple-red petals, measuring up 5 cm (2 in) long. The fruits are large and woody.[4]

Distribution and habitat

Rhodolaena altivola is only found in the eastern regions of Atsinanana and Analanjirofo.[2] Its habitat is humid to subhumid evergreen forests from 200 m (700 ft) to 1,000 m (3,300 ft) altitude.[4]

Threats

Rhodolaena altivola is threatened by shifting cultivation and wildfires. Its future population decline due to habitat loss is predicted at more than 80%. No population of the trees is currently in a protected area.[4] The status of the species is critically endangered.[1]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Manjato, N. (2019). "Rhodolaena altivola". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T70102471A70104880. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/70102471/70104880. Retrieved 25 October 2022. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 "Rhodolaena altivola", Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of Madagascar, Missouri Botanical Garden, http://www.tropicos.org/Name/28800059?projectid=17, retrieved 24 October 2016 
  3. Wallace, Alfred Russel (1895), "XIX", Island Life, pp. 440 
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Birkinshaw, Chris; Andrianjafy, Mamisoa; Edmond, Roger; Hong-Wa, Cynthia; Rajeriarison, Charlotte; Schatz, George (July 2004). "Red Lists for Malagasy Plants. V: Rhodolaena (Sarcolaenaceae)". Missouri Botanical Garden. p. 10. http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/Research/red_list_rhodolaena.pdf. Retrieved 24 October 2016. 

Wikidata ☰ Q15599855 entry