Schizolaena hystrix

Schizolaena hystrix is a tree in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar. The specific epithet hystrix is from the Latin meaning "spiny", referring to the porcupine-like appearance of the involucre.[3]

Schizolaena hystrix
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malvales
Family: Sarcolaenaceae
Genus: Schizolaena
Species:
S. hystrix
Binomial name
Schizolaena hystrix

Description

Schizolaena hystrix grows as a large tree up to 35 metres (110 ft) tall. Its leaves are coriaceous.[3] The spiny involucre is fleshy and is thought to attract lemurs, bats and birds who in turn disperse the tree's seeds.[1]

Distribution and habitat

Schizolaena hystrix is known only from the northeastern regions of Sava, Alaotra-Mangoro, Analanjirofo and Atsinanana.[2] Its habitat is humid evergreen forests from sea-level to 1,500 m (5,000 ft) altitude.[1]

Threats

Schizolaena hystrix is threatened by deforestation and by threats to the lemur. Deforestation due to shifting agriculture is occurring outside protected areas. However, 9 of 14 subpopulations of the tree are within protected areas. Threats to lemurs would in turn affect the tree's reproduction due to their role in seed dispersal.[1]

References
  1. Members of the IUCN SSC Madagascar Plant Specialist Group (2016). "Schizolaena hystrix". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T64563494A64574443. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T64563494A64574443.en.CS1 maint: uses authors parameter (link)
  2. "Schizolaena hystrix". Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of Madagascar. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 29 Oct 2016 – via Tropicos.org.
  3. Lowry II, Porter P.; Schatz, George E.; Leroy, Jean-François; Wolf, Anne-Elizabeth (Jan 1999). "Endemic families of Madagascar. III. A synoptic revision of Schizolaena (Sarcolaenaceae)". Adansonia. 3. Paris: Publications Scientifiques du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle. 21 (2): 198–199. Retrieved 29 Oct 2016.


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