Rhodolaena altivola
Rhodolaena altivola is a tree in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar. The naturalist and explorer Alfred Russel Wallace described it as "among the most magnificent flowering plants in the world".[2]
| Rhodolaena altivola | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Sarcolaenaceae |
| Genus: | Rhodolaena |
| Species: | R. altivola |
| Binomial name | |
| Rhodolaena altivola | |
Description
Rhodolaena altivola grows as a small to medium-sized tree. It has medium, ovate leaves. The inflorescences have one or two flowers on a long stem. Individual flowers are very large with five sepals and five purple-red petals, measuring up 5 cm (2 in) long. The fruits are large and woody.[3]
Distribution and habitat
Rhodolaena altivola is only found in the eastern regions of Atsinanana and Analanjirofo.[1] Its habitat is humid to subhumid evergreen forests from 200 m (700 ft) to 1,000 m (3,300 ft) altitude.[3]
Threats
Rhodolaena altivola is threatened by shifting cultivation and wildfires. Its future population decline due to habitat loss is predicted at more than 80%. No population of the trees is currently in a protected area. The preliminary status of the species is Critically Endangered.[3]
References
- "Rhodolaena altivola". Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of Madagascar. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 24 Oct 2016 – via Tropicos.org.
- Wallace, Alfred Russel (1895). . Island Life. p. 440 – via Wikisource.
- 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. 10. Retrieved 24 Oct 2016.