Rhodolaena acutifolia

Rhodolaena acutifolia
Conservation status
Vulnerable  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
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 Baker[2]

Rhodolaena acutifolia is a plant in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar. The specific epithet acutifolia means 'sharp-leafed'.

Description

Rhodolaena acutifolia grows as a small tree or shrub.[3] 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.[4] The flowers are paired in solitary inflorescences on a long stem.[3][4] Individual flowers are very large with bright purple-pink petals, measuring up 5 cm (2 in) long.[3] The fruits are dark green, drying black.[4]

Distribution and habitat

Rhodolaena acutifolia is only found in the east central regions of Analamanga, Alaotra-Mangoro and Analanjirofo.[2] 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.[3]

Threats

Rhodolaena acutifolia is threatened by harvesting for timber. Due to shifting cultivation, future habitat loss is predicted at up to 50%.[3]

References

1. Manjato, N. (2019). "Rhodolaena acutifolia". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T69222249A69257475. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
2. "Rhodolaena acutifolia". Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of Madagascar. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 23 October 2016 – via Tropicos.org.
3. 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 October 2016.
4. 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. 22 (2). Paris: Publications Scientifiques du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle: 242–243. Retrieved 23 October 2016.