''Schizolaena charlotteae'' is a plant in the family
Sarcolaenaceae
The Sarcolaenaceae are a family of flowering plants endemic to Madagascar. The family includes 79 species of mostly evergreen trees and shrubs in ten genera.
Recent DNA studies indicate that the Sarcolaenaceae are a sibling taxon to the family ...
. It is
endemic to
Madagascar. The
specific epithet
In taxonomy, binomial nomenclature ("two-term naming system"), also called nomenclature ("two-name naming system") or binary nomenclature, is a formal system of naming species of living things by giving each a name composed of two parts, bot ...
is for the botanist Charlotte Rajeriarson of the
University of Antananarivo.
[
]
Description
''Schizolaena charlotteae'' grows as a shrub or tree up to tall. Its twigs are glabrous with small lenticels. The subcoriaceous leaves are elliptic to ovate or obovate in shape. They are coloured chocolate brown above and more orangish below, measuring up to long. The inflorescences bear numerous flowers, each with three sepals
A sepal () is a part of the flower of angiosperms (flowering plants). Usually green, sepals typically function as protection for the flower in bud, and often as support for the petals when in bloom., p. 106 The term ''sepalum'' was coined b ...
and five petals. The petals are bright pinkish red with yellow borders and measure up to long. The roundish fruits measure up to in diameter.[
]
Distribution and habitat
''Schizolaena charlotteae'' is known only from the southeastern coastal region of Anosy.[ Its habitat is lowland humid forest from sea-level to about altitude.][
]
Threats
''Schizolaena charlotteae'' is currently known only from a single forest, Bemangidy-Ivohibe. The forest is temporarily protected as part of Tsitongambarika New Protected Area, but permanent protection has yet to be granted. The forest is vulnerable to human activity, including illicit harvesting. The preliminary status of the species is Vulnerable.[
]
References
charlotteae
Endemic flora of Madagascar
Plants described in 2014
{{Sarcolaenaceae-stub