Martellidendron hornei
Martellidendron hornei | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Order: | Pandanales |
Family: | Pandanaceae |
Genus: | Martellidendron |
Species: | M. hornei
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Binomial name | |
Martellidendron hornei Balf.f. Callm. & Chassot (2003)
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Synonyms[2] | |
Pandanus hornei Balf.f. (1877) |
Martellidendron hornei (Vakwa Parasol, or Vacoa Parasol) is a species of plant in the Pandan, or Screwpine family (Pandanaceae), one of several Pandanus species that are endemic to the Seychelles.
Description
[edit]This species is a tall (15 meters, or 49 feet), erect tree. It has a single, tall, straight trunk, with a spreading, parasol-like canopy only near the top. Its branches usually divide into groups of three.
Its stilt-roots are characteristically large but very closely packed.
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Rosette detail
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The close-packed stilt-roots of two specimens
Distribution and habitat
[edit]Martellidendron hornei is endemic to the Seychelles, and was formerly common on all of the granitic islands. In valleys and on wetter slopes it was a dominant part of the original forests. It is currently threatened by habitat loss and invasive alien species such as Falcataria falcata.
References
[edit]- ^ Ismail, S.; Huber, M.J.; Mougal, J. (2011). "Martellidendron hornei". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2011: e.T30508A9555288. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-2.RLTS.T30508A9555288.en. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
- ^ Martellidendron hornei (Balf.f.) Callm. & Chassot. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 12 November 2023.