Aulacocalyx subulata
| Aulacocalyx subulata | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Aulacocalyx subulata subsp. subulata | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Rubiaceae |
| Genus: | Aulacocalyx |
| Species: | A. subulata |
| Binomial name | |
| Aulacocalyx subulata (N.Hallé) Figueiredo | |
| Subspecies[1] | |
| |
| Synonyms[1] | |
|
Aulacocalyx lujae var. subulata N.Hallé | |
Aulacocalyx subulata is a species of flowering plant in the family Rubiaceae. It is a shrub or tree with white flowers and green fruits. The species is native to Gabon, and was described in 1970.
Taxonomy
Aulacocalyx subulata was first described in 1970, by Nicolas Hallé, as a variety of Aulacocalyx lujae.[1] In 1997, Estrela Figueiredo placed it as a distinct species.[1][2]
Two subspecies are recognised:[1]
- Aulacocalyx subulata subsp. glabra Figueiredo
- Aulacocalyx subulata subsp. subulata
Distribution
Aulacocalyx subulata is native to the wet tropical biome of Gabon.[1] It grows in forests.[2]
Description
Aulacocalyx subulata is a shrub or tree that grows up to 3 metres (9.8 ft) high. The branchlets are striped.[2]
The leaves are elliptical to lanceolate or oblanceolate, 8–14 centimetres (3.1–5.5 in) long, 3–5.5 centimetres (1.2–2.2 in) wide, and may be slightly asymmetrical. The upperside is dark green, and the underside is paler. The leaf stems are 3–5 millimetres (0.12–0.20 in) long.[2]
The inflorescences grow on 1–9 millimetres (0.039–0.354 in) stems, and have two to eleven flowers. The calyx tube is 1.5–3 millimetres (0.059–0.118 in) long. The hypanthium is shorter than the calyx tube. The corolla tube is wider at the top, creamy to white in colour, and 1.6–2 centimetres (0.63–0.79 in) long. The corolla has five lobes, which are 7–9 millimetres (0.28–0.35 in) long, and 2.5–3.5 millimetres (0.098–0.138 in) wide.[2]
The fruits are round, green, and 1–1.4 centimetres (0.39–0.55 in) wide. The fruits turn black when dry. The seeds are around 7 millimetres (0.28 in) long, around 5 millimetres (0.20 in) wide, and black when dry.[2]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Aulacocalyx subulata". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2026-07-27.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Figueiredo, Estrela (1997). "A Revision of Aulacocalyx (Rubiaceae-Gardenieae)". Kew Bulletin. 52 (3): 637–658. doi:10.2307/4110291. Retrieved 27 July 2026.