Kingdom Plantae Family Olacaceae Scientific name Anacolosa densiflora | Order Santalales Genus Anacolosa Rank Species | |
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Similar Anacolosa, Actinodaphne, Cynometra, Dysoxylum, Olacaceae | ||
Anacolosa densiflora, or commonly known as Malamkara, or Kaidi in Malayalam, is a species of plant in the Olacaceae family. Currently, it is an endangered species that is endemic to India.
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Description
Anacolosa densiflora is a large tree with long, thin branches. These branches hold a unique fruit that resembles a green plum that turns brown once it falls and dries. This species grows to be around 25 meters tall and has leaves that can be yellow, brown, white,or pink. The leaves are elliptical and are between 6–12 mm long. They pattern in a simple alternate rotation when growing on the Anacolosa densiflora.
Flowering
Flowers on the Anacolosa densiflora are white, fragrant, and contain 5-6 petals per flower. The plant flowers between the months of September and June. The flowers are bisexual and contain about 5-6 stamen and very small globosed anthers. The flower is conical in shape and contain 2-3 ovaries.
Distribution
Anacolosa densiflora is native and endemic to India. Specifically, the Anacolosa densiflora is found in the Western Ghats of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This tree is not found anywhere else, and grows only in the tropical and evergreen forests of the region. The tree is on the endangered species list
Habitat
Anacolosa densiflora is found in tropical rainforests. This habitat generally lies close to the equator, and is extremely warm and wet. Average rainfall lies between 168 cm to over 1000 cm. Temperatures may also exceed 18 °C (64 °F). The Anacolosa densiflora are also able to live and thrive in evergreen forests where the climate is rather temperate and moist. All Anacolosa densiflora habitats face problems with ongoing deforestation.
Status
Due to the endangered status, over harvesting ,and destruction of, Anacolosa densiflora habitat needs to be monitored. Ongoing deforestation in this tree's habitat is gradually destroying this unique tree.