''Schizolaena hystrix'' is a tree 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 from the Latin meaning "spiny", referring to the porcupine-like appearance of the involucre.

Description

''Schizolaena hystrix'' grows as a large tree up to tall. Its leaves are coriaceous. The spiny involucre is fleshy and is thought to attract lemurs, bats and birds who in turn disperse the tree's seeds.

Distribution and habitat

''Schizolaena hystrix'' is known only from the northeastern regions of Sava, Alaotra-Mangoro, Analanjirofo and Atsinanana. Its habitat is humid evergreen forests from sea-level to altitude.

Threats

''Schizolaena hystrix'' is threatened by deforestation and by threats to the lemur. Deforestation due to shifting agriculture is occurring outside protected areas. However, 9 of 14 subpopulations of the tree are within protected areas. Threats to lemurs would in turn affect the tree's reproduction due to their role in seed dispersal.

References

hystrix Endemic flora of Madagascar Trees of Madagascar Plants described in 1963 Taxa named by René Paul Raymond Capuron {{Sarcolaenaceae-stub