Melanochyla semecarpoides


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

Description

Melanochyla semecarpoides grows as a tree up to tall, with a trunk diameter of up to. The leathery leaves are oblanceolate or oblong and measure up to long and to wide. The flowers have triangular petals. The fruits are ellipsoid.

Taxonomy

Melanochyla semecarpoides 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 semecarpoides means 'like Semecarpus', referring to the genus.

Distribution and habitat

Melanochyla semecarpoides is endemic to Borneo, where it is confined to Sarawak and Sabah. Its habitat is in dipterocarp forests, to elevations of.

Conservation

Melanochyla semecarpoides has been assessed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. Its habitat is threatened by conversion of land for plantations and urban development. However, the species is present in at least three protected areas.