Beccariophoenix madagascariensis

Beccariophoenix madagascariensis, commonly known as the coastal beccariophoenix, is a species of flowering plant in the family Arecaceae. It is a large Coconut relative that is vulnerable in its habitat in Madagascar.

Beccariophoenix madagascariensis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Arecales
Family: Arecaceae
Genus: Beccariophoenix
Species:
B. madagascariensis
Binomial name
Beccariophoenix madagascariensis

Range and habitat

Beccariophoenix madagascariensis is native to Madagascar's eastern rainforests, between Tolagnaro and Mantadia.[1]

It is found in humid lowland forest and mid-elevation humid montane forest from sea level to 1,200 meters elevation. It is found in forests with a slightly open canopy, typically on poor soils derived from white sand or on podzolized ridge tops.[1]

There are only three known populations, which are severely fragmented. There are an estimated 900 mature individual trees.[1]

Similar species

Beccariophoenix fenestralis was previously considered a variety of this species. It is quite different when a seedling, in having wide, mostly unsplit leaves, whereas B. madagascariensis has fully split, very stiff upright leaves when young.

Use

Young leaflets are used to make hats.[2]

References

  1. Rakotoarinivo, M. & Dransfield, J. (2012). "Beccariophoenix madagascariensis". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN. 2012: e.T38448A2869148. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T38448A2869148.en. Retrieved 13 January 2018.
  2. Dransfield, John; Beentje, Henk; Britt, Adam; Ranarivelo, Tianjanahary; Razafitsalama, Jérémie (2006). Field guide to the palms of Madagascar. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. pp. 162-3. ISBN 9781842461570


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