Melanochyla castaneifolia


Melanochyla castaneifolia is a flowering plant in the family Anacardiaceae. It is native to Borneo.

Description

Melanochyla castaneifolia grows as a tree up to tall, with a trunk diameter of up to. The twigs are white to grey. The leathery leaves are oblong, obovate or elliptic and measure up to long and to wide. The, in, feature yellow flowers.

Taxonomy

Melanochyla castaneifolia was first described in 1978 by Dutch botanist Ding Hou in the journal Blumea. The type specimen was collected in Sarawak in Borneo. The specific epithet castaneifolia means 'chestnut-coloured leaf'.

Distribution and habitat

Melanochyla castaneifolia is endemic to Borneo. Its habitat is in lowland forests to elevations of.

Conservation

Melanochyla castaneifolia has been assessed as least concern on the IUCN Red List. Its habitat is threatened by deforestation and by conversion of land for plantations and agriculture. However, the species is widespread and thought to be present in numerous protected areas.