''Schizolaena parvipetala'' 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 from the
Latin meaning "small flowers".
Description
''Schizolaena parvipetala'' grows as a shrub or small tree up to tall. Its twigs are
glabrous, occasionally
pubescent with small
lenticels. The leaves are elliptic to
ovate in shape. They are coloured medium brown above and light brown below, measuring up to long. The
inflorescences bear two to four 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 white petals. Fruits are unknown.
[
]
Distribution and habitat
''Schizolaena parvipetala'' is known only from the southeastern coastal region of Anosy.[ Its habitat is lowland humid forest from sea-level to about altitude.][
]
Threats
''Schizolaena parvipetala'' is currently known only from two localities. In one, the Bemangidy-Ivohibe forest, the species 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 via conversion and degradation.[
]
References
parvipetala
Endemic flora of Madagascar
Plants described in 2014
{{Sarcolaenaceae-stub