Rhopalocarpus mollis

Species of tree From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Rhopalocarpus mollis is a tree in the family Sphaerosepalaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar. The specific epithet mollis means 'soft', referring to the very soft indumentum on the leaves' underside.[3]

Quick Facts Conservation status, Scientific classification ...
Rhopalocarpus mollis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malvales
Family: Sphaerosepalaceae
Genus: Rhopalocarpus
Species:
R. mollis
Binomial name
Rhopalocarpus mollis
G.E.Schatz & Lowry[2]
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Description

Rhopalocarpus mollis grows as a tree up to 20 metres (70 ft) tall with a trunk diameter of up to 40 cm (16 in). The coriaceous leaves are elliptic in shape and measure up to 13.4 cm (5 in) long. It is not known to have any flowers. The fleshy fruits are coloured green when fresh. They may be spherical measuring up to 3 cm (1.2 in) in diameter or two-lobed and measure up to 4.5 cm (1.8 in) across.[3]

Distribution and habitat

Rhopalocarpus mollis is known only from four locations in the northern regions of Sofia and Analanjirofo.[4] Its habitat is subhumid forests from 500 m (1,600 ft) to 1,000 m (3,300 ft) altitude.[1][4]

Threats

Rhopalocarpus mollis is threatened by shifting patterns of agriculture. Because the species is used as timber, subsistence harvesting is also a threat.[1]

References

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