Nuxia sphaerocephala
| Nuxia sphaerocephala | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Stilbaceae |
| Genus: | Nuxia |
| Species: | N. sphaerocephala |
| Binomial name | |
| Nuxia sphaerocephala | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
| |
Nuxia sphaerocephala is a species of flowering plant in the family Stilbaceae. It is a shrub or tree endemic to Madagascar. The species was described in 1885, and is listed as of Least Concern by the IUCN. The wood is used for construction.
Taxonomy
The species was first described by John Gilbert Baker in 1885. Baker initially placed it in the genus Buddleja.[2] In 1887, Baker transferred the species to Nuxia.[3]
Distribution
Nuxia sphaerocephala is endemic to the seasonally dry tropical biome of Madagascar.[4][2] It is present in north, east-central, and eastern Madagascar,[2] and distributed across the provinces of Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Fianarantsoa, and Toamasina. Its estimated extent of occurrence is 181,907 square kilometres (70,235 sq mi).[1]
Nuxia sphaerocephala is present at elevations of 300–1,500 metres (980–4,920 ft). It grows in dry, humid, and subhumid forests.[1]
Description
Nuxia sphaerocephala is a shrub or tree.[4] It grows 1.5–10 metres (4.9–32.8 ft) high.[1] The corolla falls off by dehiscence.[3]
Conservation
In 2018, the IUCN assessed Nuxia sphaerocephala as of Least Concern. The species is threatened by deforestation, mining, and agriculture. It is present in the protected areas of Ambohitantely Special Reserve, Analamazaotra National Park, Manongarivo Special Reserve, and Tsaratanana Reserve.[1]
Uses
The wood is used for construction and firewood. The leaves are used as an aphrodisiac.[1]
Nomenclature
In the Malagasy language, Nuxia sphaerocephala is known as Valanirana.[5]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Faranirina, L. (2019). "Nuxia sphaerocephala". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019 e.T128659501A128660202. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-2.RLTS.T128659501A128660202.en. Retrieved 2026-07-11.
- 1 2 3 4 "Nuxia sphaerocephala". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2026-07-11.
- 1 2 Baker, John Gilbert (1887). The Journal of the Linnean Society. Botany. Vol. 22. Longman, Green, Longman, Roberts & Green. p. 505.
- 1 2 "Nuxia sphaerocephala (Baker) Baker". AfricanPlantDatabase.ch. African Plant Database. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
- ↑ "Nuxia sphaerocephala (Baker) Baker". CatalogueOfLife.org. Catalogue of Life. Retrieved 11 July 2026.