Rhodolaena coriacea

Rhodolaena coriacea
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
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 means '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. 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. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
2. "Rhodolaena coriacea". Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of Madagascar. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 24 Oct 2016 – via Tropicos.org.
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. 22 (2). Paris: Publications Scientifiques du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle: 244–246. Retrieved 24 Oct 2016.
4. 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. 13. Retrieved 24 Oct 2016.