Nuxia pachyphylla
| Nuxia pachyphylla | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Stilbaceae |
| Genus: | Nuxia |
| Species: | N. pachyphylla |
| Binomial name | |
| Nuxia pachyphylla | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
| |
Nuxia pachyphylla is a species of flowering plant in the family Stilbaceae. It is a shrub or tree endemic to Madagascar. The species was described in 1887, and is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Taxonomy
The species was described by John Gilbert Baker in 1887.[3]
Distribution
Nuxia pachyphylla is endemic to the seasonally dry tropical biome of Madagascar.[4][2] It is widespread in the east, central, and north of Madagascar, and has an estimated extent of occurrence of 328,150 square kilometres (126,700 sq mi). The species is present in the regions of Diana, Analamanga, Bongolava, Amoron'i Mania, Atsimo-Atsinanana, Ihorombe, Alaotra-Mangoro, and Analanjirofo.[1]
Nuxia pachyphylla grows at elevations of 10–2,000 metres (33–6,562 ft), in humid, subhumid, and montane forests.[1]
Description
Nuxia pachyphylla is a shrub or tree[4] up to 20 metres (66 ft) tall.[1] It has woody branchlets. The leaves are aranged oppositely or in groups of three. The leaves are 2–4 inches (5.1–10.2 cm) long, and 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) wide. The calyx is brown to black, and leathery.[5]
The plant flowers and fruits from June to December.[1]
Conservation
In 2020, the IUCN assessed Nuxia pachyphylla as of Least Concern. The species faces habitat loss from logging, grazing, and fires.[1]
Nuxia pachyphylla is present in protected areas, including Analamazaotra National Park, Midongy du sud National Park, the Fandriana Marolambo forest corridor, Isalo National Park, Loky-Manambato, Montagne d'Ambre National Park, Nosy Mangabe, Ranomafana National Park, and Tsaratanana Reserve.[1]
Nomenclature
In the Malagasy language, Nuxia pachyphylla is known as Valanirana.[6]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Rakotonirina, N. (2020). "Valanirana". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020 e.T137831228A137904093. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T137831228A137904093.en. Retrieved 2026-07-09.
- 1 2 "Nuxia pachyphylla". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2026-07-09.
- ↑ "Nuxia pachyphylla Baker". International Plant Names Index (IPNI). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Harvard University Herbaria & Libraries; Australian National Botanic Gardens.
- 1 2 "Nuxia pachyphylla Baker". AfricanPlantDatabase.ch. African Plant Database. Retrieved 9 July 2026.
- ↑ Baker, John Gilbert (1887). The Journal of the Linnean Society. Botany. Vol. 22. Longman, Green, Longman, Roberts & Green. p. 506.
- ↑ "Nuxia pachyphylla Baker". CatalogueOfLife.org. Catalogue of Life. Retrieved 9 July 2026.