''Hernandia voyronii'', commonly known as Hazomalany, is a species of plant in the Hernandiaceae family. It is endemic to Madagascar.

Description

''Hernandia voyronii'' is a large tree which grows from 15 to 25 meters tall.

Range and habitat

''Hernandia voyronii'' is endemic to western and southwestern Madagascar. It is found in southern Melaky region, western Menabe region, and west-central

Atsimo-Andrefana Atsimo-Andrefana is a region of Madagascar. It borders Menabe in north, Amoron'i Mania and Haute Matsiatra in northeast, Ihorombe and Anosy in east and Androy in southeast. The capital is Toliara and the population was 1,799,088 in 2018. Atsimo ...

region, from sea level to 658 meters elevation. It is found in the Tsimembo Forest and Antseva Forest and along the Iakora-Ihosy Road. The species' estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) is 70,569 km², and its estimated

area of occupancy Area is the quantity that expresses the extent of a region on the plane or on a curved surface. The area of a plane region or ''plane area'' refers to the area of a shape or planar lamina, while '' surface area'' refers to the area of an open s ...

(AOO) is 94 km². It grows in spiny thicket, dry forest, and succulent woodland habitats, typically on sandstone and unconsolidated sand substrates. Young trees grow in shade, so reproduction requires limited habitat disturbance.

Population and threats

The species is known from 77 occurrences in 18 subpopulations. Subpopulations are generally 10 to 13 mature individuals, and the species' total population is estimated to be 180 to 234 mature individuals. The species is threatened with habitat loss from human-caused fires, clearance of land for agriculture, timber harvesting, and a climate change induced increase in rainfall within its range. Its conservation status is assessed as critically endangered. Portions of its habitat are in protected areas.

Uses

The timber of ''Hernandia voyronii'' has many uses in western Madagascar, including for canoes, coffins, houses, furniture. Parts of the plant have numerous medicinal uses, including treatment of malaria. The use and trade of the species is prohibited, but it is still sought after and harvested for use by local people.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q115315833, from2=Q18081379 Endemic flora of Madagascar Hernandiaceae Flora of the Madagascar dry deciduous forests Flora of the Madagascar spiny thickets Flora of the Madagascar succulent woodlands