Rhodolaena acutifolia

Rhodolaena acutifolia is a plant in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar. The specific epithet acutifolia is from the Latin meaning "sharp-leafed".

Rhodolaena acutifolia
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malvales
Family: Sarcolaenaceae
Genus: Rhodolaena
Species:
R. acutifolia
Binomial name
Rhodolaena acutifolia

Description

Rhodolaena acutifolia grows as a small tree or shrub.[2] Its leaves are small, subcoriaceous, elliptic in shape, tapering to a point and sharp at the base. They measure up to 3 centimetres (1.2 in) wide.[3] The flowers are paired in solitary inflorescences on a long stem.[2][3] Individual flowers are very large with bright purple-pink petals, measuring up 5 cm (2 in) long.[2] The fruits are dark green, drying black.[3]

Distribution and habitat

Rhodolaena acutifolia is only found in the east central regions of Analamanga, Alaotra-Mangoro and Analanjirofo.[1] Its habitat is humid evergreen forests from 350 m (1,000 ft) to 800 m (2,600 ft) altitude. Two subpopulations of the trees are in Zahamena National Park.[2]

Threats

Rhodolaena acutifolia is threatened by harvesting for timber. Due to shifting cultivation, future habitat loss is predicted at up to 50%. The preliminary status of the species is Vulnerable.[2]

References
  1. "Rhodolaena acutifolia". Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of Madagascar. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 23 Oct 2016 – via Tropicos.org.
  2. Birkinshaw, Chris; Andrianjafy, Mamisoa; Edmond, Roger; Hong-Wa, Cynthia; Rajeriarison, Charlotte; Schatz, George (July 2004). "Red Lists for Malagasy Plants. V: Rhodolaena (Sarcolaenaceae)" (PDF). Missouri Botanical Garden. p. 9. Retrieved 23 Oct 2016.
  3. Schatz, George E.; Lowry II, Porter P.; Wolf, Anne-Elizabeth (2000). "Endemic families of Madagascar. VI. A synoptic revision of Rhodolaena (Sarcolaenaceae)" (PDF). Adansonia. 3. Paris: Publications Scientifiques du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle. 22 (2): 242–243. Retrieved 23 Oct 2016.


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