Megistostegium perrieri

Megistostegium perrieri is a plant in the family Malvaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar.

Megistostegium perrieri
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Megistostegium
Species:
M. perrieri
Binomial name
Megistostegium perrieri

Description

Megistostegium perrieri grows as a shrub up to 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) tall. Its large leaves are orbicular to round in shape. They are coloured gray-green and measure up to 5.4 cm (2 in) long. The flowers are pendant with an epicalyx that matures to a deep maroon colour. The pollen is yellow when fresh.[2]

Distribution and habitat

Megistostegium perrieri is found only on the coastline of the Mahafaly Plateau of southern Madagascar, including in the Special Reserve at Cape Sainte Marie.[2] Its habitat is in rocky areas from sea level to about 500 m (1,600 ft) altitude.[1][2]

Threats

Threats to Megistostegium in general include grazing by goats and invasive plants competing for limited water supplies. The pollinator of M. perrieri may be extinct. The preliminary conservation status of the species is Endangered.[2]

Uses

The leaves of M. perrieri are locally used to treat coughs. The branches are sometimes used for decorative purposes.[2]

References
  1. "Megistostegium perrieri". Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of Madagascar. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 11 May 2017 – via Tropicos.org.
  2. Koopman, Margaret M. (2011). "A synopsis of the Malagasy endemic genus Megistostegium Hochr. (Hibisceae, Malvaceae)" (PDF). Adansonia. 3. Paris: Publications Scientifiques du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle. 33 (1): 112–113. doi:10.5252/a2011n1a7. S2CID 85429003. Retrieved 11 May 2017.


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