Cryptocarya elliptifolia

Cryptocarya elliptifolia is a species of small evergreen tree in the family Lauraceae. It is native to the Philippines and Orchid Island in Taiwan. It is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Taxonomy

Cryptocarya elliptifolia was first described by the American botanist Elmer Drew Merrill in 1919. The type specimen was collected from forests along small streams in San Andres, Catanduanes. The specific epithet is Latin for "elliptical leaves". It is a member of the genus Cryptocarya in the laurel family Lauraceae.

Distribution

Cryptocarya elliptifolia is native to the Philippines and Orchid Island in Taiwan. Its populations are severely fragmented due to urbanization.

Description

Cryptocarya elliptifolia is a small tree, growing only to around tall. The leaves are large, around long and, ovate to elliptic in shape, and tapering to a sharp point. They are olive green in color and very smooth. The bark is also smooth and brown to olive green in color. The flowers and fruits are borne on panicles around long. The fruits, which are around in diameter, are round, black when dry, faintly ridged lengthwise and smooth.