Polyscias rodriguesiana (formerly Gastonia rodriguesiana, locally known as "bois blanc") is a rare species of plant in the family Araliaceae.
Polyscias rodriguesiana | |
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Adult plant at Anse Quitor Nature Reserve | |
Conservation status | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Apiales |
Family: | Araliaceae |
Genus: | Polyscias |
Species: | P. rodriguesiana |
Binomial name | |
Polyscias rodriguesiana (Marais) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett | |
Synonyms[2] | |
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It is endemic to the island of Rodrigues, in Mauritius. It used to occur throughout Rodrigues island, but was especially common in coastal regions and on limestone or old coral sediments. It is now critically endangered.
It has a soft, swollen trunk and thick branches. It can reach a height of 6 meters, but is usually shorter and more compact.
Its leaves are heterophyllous, like its close relative Polyscias maraisiana on Mauritius island to the west. Adult plants' leaves are shiny, rounded and bright green.[2]
Taxon identifiers | |
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Polyscias rodriguesiana |
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Gastonia rodriguesiana |