Rhodolaena macrocarpa

Rhodolaena macrocarpa is a tree in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar. The specific epithet macrocarpa means 'large-fruited'.

Description

Rhodolaena macrocarpa grows as a tree up to tall. The branches are glabrous. Its leaves, also glabrous, are elliptic in shape, dry olive green and measure up to long. The inflorescences have a single flower, uniquely for the genus, on a peduncle measuring up to long. Individual flowers are large with five sepals and five purple-red petals, measuring up to long. The round fruits are large and woody, measuring up to in diameter, with a fleshy involucre. The fruit is the largest of the genus.

Distribution and habitat

Rhodolaena macrocarpa is known only from the northern region of Sava. Its habitat is humid evergreen forest at around altitude.

Threats

Rhodolaena macrocarpa is threatened by timber exploitation. Future population decline of the tree due to habitat loss is predicted at greater than 80%. The single population of the species is not in a protected area. The conservation status of the species is endangered.