Kingdom Plantae Family Sarcolaenaceae Rank Species | Order Malvales Genus Rhodolaena | |
Rhodolaena altivola is a tree in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar. The naturalist and explorer Alfred Russel Wallace described it as "among the most magnificent flowering plants in the world".
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Description
Rhodolaena altivola grows as a small to medium sized tree. It has medium, ovate leaves. The inflorescences have one or two flowers on a long stem. Individual flowers are very large with five sepals and five purple-red petals, measuring up 5 cm (2 in) long. The fruits are large and woody.
Distribution and habitat
Rhodolaena altivola is only found in the eastern regions of Atsinanana and Analanjirofo. Its habitat is humid to subhumid evergreen forests from 200 m (700 ft) to 1,000 m (3,300 ft) altitude.
Threats
Rhodolaena altivola is threatened by shifting cultivation and wildfires. Its future population decline due to habitat loss is predicted at more than 80%. No population of the trees is currently in a protected area. The preliminary status of the species is Critically Endangered.