bio.wikisort.org - Plant

Mediusella bernieri is a plant in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar.

Mediusella bernieri
Conservation status
Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Malvales
Family:	Sarcolaenaceae
Genus:	Mediusella
Species:	M. bernieri
Binomial name
Mediusella bernieri (Baill.) Hutch.[2][3]
Synonyms[2]
Leptolaena bernieri Baill. Xerochlamys bernieri (Baill.) H.Perrier

Description

Mediusella bernieri grows as a shrub or small tree up to 3 metres (10 ft) tall.[1] It has a trunk diameter of up to 20 cm (8 in). Its bright green leaves are ovate in shape and measure up to 6 cm (2 in) long. The plant's flowers are usually in inflorescences of two or three flowers, each with white to yellow petals. The ovoid fruits measure up to 1.1 cm (0.4 in) long.[3] Mediusella bernieri flowers and fruits from February to July.[1]

Distribution and habitat

Mediusella bernieri is only found in the far northern regions of Diana and Sava[2] (the former Antsiranana Province[1]). IUCN assessors identified nine subpopulations over an extent of occurrence of 3,055 square kilometres (1,200 sq mi).[1] Its habitat is dry forests, on various rocky formations, from 50–300 m (200–1,000 ft) altitude.[1][3]

Threats

Mediusella bernieri is in decline due to habitat destruction[1][3] from activities such as agriculture, mining, fires and wood harvesting.[1] In 2019, it was assessed by the IUCN as Endangered. Although four (of nine) subpopulations of the species are within the protected areas of Andavakoeira-Andrafiamena and Loky Manambato, the species' decline continues due to the above activities.[1]

References

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