Xerochlamys elliptica is a tree in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar.

Xerochlamys elliptica
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malvales
Family: Sarcolaenaceae
Genus: Xerochlamys
Species:
X. elliptica
Binomial name
Xerochlamys elliptica

Description

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Xerochlamys elliptica grows as a small tree up to 8 metres (30 ft) tall with a trunk diameter of up to 20 cm (8 in). Its dark green coriaceous leaves are elliptic in shape and measure up to 4 cm (2 in) long. The tree's flowers are usually solitary or sometimes in inflorescences of two flowers, with white, or rarely pinkish, petals. The round fruits measure up to 0.9 cm (0.4 in) long.[3]

Distribution and habitat

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Xerochlamys elliptica is only found in the central regions of Vakinankaratra and Amoron'i Mania.[2] Its habitat is subhumid evergreen forests from 1,300 metres (4,300 ft) to 1,600 m (5,200 ft) altitude.[3]

Threats

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Xerochlamys elliptica is threatened by deforestation due to wildfires and mining. No populations are currently within protected areas.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b Members of the IUCN SSC Madagascar Plant Specialist Group (2016). "Xerochlamys elliptica". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T70102118A70110393. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T70102118A70110393.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Xerochlamys elliptica". Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of Madagascar. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 19 Oct 2016 – via Tropicos.org.
  3. ^ a b c Hong-Wa, Cynthia (2009). "Endemic families of Madagascar. XII. Resurrection and taxonomic revision of the genera Mediusella (Cavaco) Hutchinson and Xerochlamys Baker (Sarcolaenaceae)" (PDF). Adansonia. 3. 31 (2). Paris: Publications Scientifiques du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle: 329–330. doi:10.5252/a2009n2a7. S2CID 84912526. Retrieved 19 Oct 2016.