Martellidendron hornei (Vakwa Parasol, or Vacoa Parasol) is a species of plant in the Pandan, or Screwpine family (Pandanaceae), one of several Pandanus species that are endemic to the Seychelles.
| Martellidendron hornei | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Pandanales |
| Family: | Pandanaceae |
| Genus: | Martellidendron |
| Species: | M. hornei
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| Binomial name | |
| Martellidendron hornei Balf.f. Callm. & Chassot (2003)
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| Synonyms[2] | |
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Pandanus hornei Balf.f. (1877) | |
Description edit
This species is a tall (15 meters, or 49 feet), erect tree. It has a single, tall, straight trunk, with a spreading, parasol-like canopy only near the top. Its branches usually divide into groups of three.
Its stilt-roots are characteristically large but very closely packed.
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Rosette detail -
The close-packed stilt-roots of two specimens
Distribution and habitat edit
Martellidendron hornei is endemic to the Seychelles, and was formerly common on all of the granitic islands. In valleys and on wetter slopes it was a dominant part of the original forests. It is currently threatened by habitat loss and invasive alien species such as Falcataria falcata.
References edit
- ^ Ismail, S.; Huber, M.J.; Mougal, J. (2011). "Martellidendron hornei". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2011: e.T30508A9555288. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-2.RLTS.T30508A9555288.en. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
- ^ Martellidendron hornei (Balf.f.) Callm. & Chassot. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
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