Latania lontaroides is a species of palm tree. It is endemic to Réunion. It is also used as an ornamental plant. Its common names include the Red Latan, latanier de la Réunion, and latanier rouge.[1] The armored scale insect Hemiberlesia lataniae was first described from this species of palm, and has since spread around the world and proved to be a serious pest of avocado.[3]

Latania lontaroides
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Arecales
Family: Arecaceae
Genus: Latania
Species:
L. lontaroides
Binomial name
Latania lontaroides
(Gaertner) H.E.Moore
Synonyms[2]
  • Cleophora commersonii (J.F.Gmel.) O.F.Cook
  • Cleophora lontaroides Gaertn.
  • Latania borbonica Lam.
  • Latania commersonii J.F.Gmel.
  • Latania rubra Jacq.

This palm was common on Réunion at one time, but the area in which it grows has diminished as land has been cleared for agriculture and for other purposes. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed it as being an endangered species in the wild, however it is also grown as an ornamental plant in various parts of the world.[1]

Gallery edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Johnson, D. (1998). "Latania lontaroides". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 1998: e.T38589A10128579. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.1998.RLTS.T38589A10128579.en. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  2. ^ "Latania lontaroides (Gaertn.) H.E.Moore". The Plant List. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
  3. ^ Peña, Jorge E.; Sharp, Jennifer L.; Wysoki, M. (2002). Tropical Fruit Pests and Pollinators: Biology, Economic Importance, Natural Enemies, and Control. CABI. p. 234. ISBN 978-0-85199-976-0.