Pentachlaena vestita

Pentachlaena vestita
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Malvales
Family:	Sarcolaenaceae
Genus:	Pentachlaena
Species:	P. vestita
Binomial name
Pentachlaena vestita Andriamih., Lowry & G.E.Schatz[1]

Pentachlaena vestita is a plant in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar. The specific epithet vestita means 'blanketed', referring to the hairy indument on the underside of the leaves and also on stems, fruits and other surfaces.[2]

Description

Pentachlaena vestita grows as a shrub up to 1.5 metres (5 ft) tall. Its coriaceous leaves are ovate to oblong in shape and measure up to 13.8 centimetres (5 in) long. The inflorescences typically bear up two flowers, occasionally one flower, each with five sepals and five white petals. The obloid fruits are orangish to brown and measure up to 3 centimetres (1 in) long.[2]

Distribution and habitat

Pentachlaena vestita is known only from the central region of Amoron'i Mania.[1] Its habitat is bushland or wooded grassland from 1,250–1,500 m (4,000–5,000 ft) altitude.[2]

Threats

Pentachlaena vestita is threatened by fires, some man-made, which stunt the plant's growth. The species is confined to a relatively small area. The preliminary status is Endangered.[2]

References

1. "Pentachlaena vestita". Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of Madagascar. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 1 Jan 2017 – via Tropicos.org.
2. Andriamihajarivo, Tefy H.; Lowry II, Porter P.; Schatz, George E. (Jun 2016). "Endemic families of Madagascar. XIV. A new restricted range species of Pentachlaena H. Perrier (Sarcolaenaceae) from central Madagascar" (PDF). Candollea. 71 (2). Geneva: Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques de Genève: 167–172. doi:10.15553/c2016v712a1. S2CID 89137626. Retrieved 1 Jan 2017.