Kingdom Plantae Family Sarcolaenaceae Rank Species | Order Malvales Genus Schizolaena | |
Schizolaena exinvolucrata is a tree in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar.
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Description
Schizolaena exinvolucrata grows as a tree up to 15 metres (50 ft) tall. Its leaves measure up to 8 cm (3 in) long. The peduncle and sepals are glabrous. It has a fleshy, glabrous involucre. The involucre is thought to attract lemurs, bats and birds who in turn disperse the tree's seeds.
Distribution and habitat
Schizolaena exinvolucrata is known only from the eastern regions of Atsimo-Atsinanana, Vatovavy-Fitovinany, Alaotra-Mangoro, Analanjirofo, Atsinanana and Anosy. Its habitat is humid and subhumid forests from sea-level to 1,000 m (3,300 ft) altitude.
Threats
Schizolaena exinvolucrata is threatened by deforestation due to shifting patterns of agriculture. Four of the tree's subpopulations (of 13) are within protected areas.