Kingdom Plantae Family Sarcolaenaceae Rank Species | Order Malvales Genus Xerochlamys | |
Xerochlamys itremoensis is a shrub in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar.
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Description
Xerochlamys itremoensis grows as a prostrate shrub. Its leaves are glossy green above, green to yellow on the underside. They are elliptic in shape and measure up to 2 cm (1 in) long. The tree's flowers are solitary with pink to white petals. The roundish to ovoid fruits measure up to 0.8 cm (0.3 in) long with black seeds.
Distribution and habitat
Xerochlamys itremoensis is only found in the Itremo Massif in the central region of Amoron'i Mania. Its habitat is subhumid woodlands from 1,300 metres (4,300 ft) to 1,800 m (6,000 ft) altitude.
Threats
Xerochlamys itremoensis, along with other plant species endemic to the Itremo Massif, is threatened by wildfires, harvesting and mining. The species often grows in rocky areas where quartzite and marble are present and mined. The preliminary status of the species is Endangered.