Dalbergia hirticalyx is a species of legume in the family Fabaceae. It is found only in Madagascar. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Dalbergia hirticalyx
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Genus: Dalbergia
Species:
D. hirticalyx
Binomial name
Dalbergia hirticalyx
Bosser & R.Rabev

Description edit

Dalbergia hirticalyx is a large tree which grows to 29 meters tall. It flowers in September, and fruits from November to February and in June.[1]

Range and habitat edit

Dalbergia hirticalyx is known from three separate locations in southwestern and west-central Madagascar. In the southwest it is found on the Analavelona Massif, and in Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park about 50 km southeast of Analavelona. The third and disjunct population at Bongolava Province of west-central Madagascar.[1]

At Analavelona and Bongolava it is found in mid-elevation subhumid forests, and in lower-elevation dry deciduous forests at Zombitse, between 500 and 1,300 meters elevation.[1]

Uses edit

Dalbergia hirticalyx, like the other species of Dalbergia on Madagascar, is prized for its timber, which is traditionally used to build coffins.[2]

Conservation edit

The species is threatened with habitat loss and a declining population and area of occupancy. All the current known locations of Dalbergia hirticalyx are found in areas threatened with from human-set fires to clear land for livestock grazing, illegal timber logging, and logging for traditional uses and for firewood. The current status of the Bongolava population is unknown, and it may have been extirpated from the area. The species is assessed as endangered.[1]

In the Analavelona Forest a community-based conservation project aims to conserve Dalbergia hirticalyx by cataloging existing populations and developing sustainable timber harvesting practices.[2]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e Phillipson, P., Wilding, N. & Manjato, N. 2022. Dalbergia hirticalyx. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: e.T38236A68497960. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-1.RLTS.T38236A68497960.en. Accessed 19 November 2022.
  2. ^ a b Beech, E., Rivers, M., Rabarimanarivo, M., Ravololomanana, N., Manjato, N., Lantoarisoa, F., Andriambololonera, S., Ramandimbisoa, B., Ralimanana, H., Rakotoarisoa, S., Razanajatovo , H., Razafiniary, V., Andriamanohera, A., Randrianasolo, V., Rakotonasolo, F., Rakotoarisoa, A., Randriamamonjy, N., Rajaovelona, L., Rakotomalala, N., Randriamboavonjy, T., Rajaonah, M., Rabehevitra, D., Ramarosandratana, A.V., Rakotoarinivo, M., B.H. Ravaomanalina and Jeannoda, V. (2021). Red List of Trees of Madagascar. BGCI. Richmond, UK.