Biology:Rhodolaena coriacea
| Rhodolaena coriacea | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Sarcolaenaceae |
| Genus: | Rhodolaena |
| Species: | R. coriacea
|
| Binomial name | |
| Rhodolaena coriacea G.E.Schatz, Lowry & A.-E.Wolf[2]
| |
Rhodolaena coriacea is a tree in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar . The specific epithet coriacea is from the Latin meaning "leathery", referring to the leaves.
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]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 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. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/70102306/70137533. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Rhodolaena coriacea", Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of Madagascar, Missouri Botanical Garden, http://www.tropicos.org/Name/50177045?projectid=17, retrieved 24 Oct 2016
- ↑ Schatz, George E.; Lowry II, Porter P.; Wolf, Anne-Elizabeth (2000). "Endemic families of Madagascar. VI. A synoptic revision of Rhodolaena (Sarcolaenaceae)". Adansonia. 3 (Paris: Publications Scientifiques du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle) 22 (2): 244–246. http://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/a2000n2a11.pdf. Retrieved 24 Oct 2016.
- ↑ 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. 13. http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/Research/red_list_rhodolaena.pdf. Retrieved 24 Oct 2016.
Wikidata ☰ Q15608881 entry
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