Schizolaena hystrix

Schizolaena hystrix
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malvales
Family: Sarcolaenaceae
Genus: Schizolaena
Species:
S. hystrix
Binomial name
Schizolaena hystrix

Schizolaena hystrix is a tree in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar. The specific epithet hystrix means 'spiny', referring to the porcupine-like appearance of the involucre.

Description

Schizolaena hystrix grows as a large tree up to 35 metres (110 ft) tall. Its leaves are coriaceous. The spiny involucre is fleshy and is thought to attract lemurs, bats and birds who in turn disperse the tree's seeds.

Distribution and habitat

Schizolaena hystrix is known only from the northeastern regions of Sava, Alaotra-Mangoro, Analanjirofo and Atsinanana. Its habitat is humid evergreen forests from sea-level to 1,500 m (5,000 ft) altitude.

Threats

Schizolaena hystrix is threatened by deforestation and by threats to the lemur. Deforestation due to shifting agriculture is occurring outside protected areas. However, 9 of 14 subpopulations of the tree are within protected areas. Threats to lemurs would in turn affect the tree's reproduction due to their role in seed dispersal.

References

  1. ^ a b c d Members of the IUCN SSC Madagascar Plant Specialist Group (2016). "Schizolaena hystrix". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T64563494A64574443. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T64563494A64574443.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Schizolaena hystrix". Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of Madagascar. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 29 Oct 2016 – via Tropicos.org.
  3. ^ a b Lowry II, Porter P.; Schatz, George E.; Leroy, Jean-François; Wolf, Anne-Elizabeth (Jan 1999). "Endemic families of Madagascar. III. A synoptic revision of Schizolaena (Sarcolaenaceae)". Adansonia. 3. 21 (2). Paris: Publications Scientifiques du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle: 198–199. Retrieved 29 Oct 2016.


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