Megistostegium perrieri
Megistostegium perrieri is a plant in the family Malvaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar.
| Megistostegium perrieri | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Megistostegium |
| Species: | M. perrieri |
| Binomial name | |
| Megistostegium perrieri | |
Description
Megistostegium perrieri grows as a shrub up to 1 metre (3 ft) tall. Its large leaves are orbicular to round in shape. They are coloured gray-green and measure up to 5.4 cm (2 in) long. The flowers are pendant with an epicalyx that matures to a deep maroon colour. The pollen is yellow when fresh.[3]
Distribution and habitat
Megistostegium perrieri is found only on the coastline of the Mahafaly Plateau of Toliara Province in southern Madagascar, including in the Special Reserve at Cape Sainte Marie.[1][3] Its habitat is in rocky areas from sea level to about 500 m (1,600 ft) elevation.[2][3]
Conservation
Megistostegium perrieri has been assessed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. It is threatened by land conversion for agriculture, mining and forestry. It is also threatened by wildfires..[1]
Uses
The leaves of M. perrieri are locally used to treat coughs. The branches are sometimes used for decorative purposes.[3]
References
- Faranirina, L. (2018). "Megistostegium perrieri". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T70102776A70103063. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
- "Megistostegium perrieri". Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of Madagascar. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 11 May 2017 – via Tropicos.org.
- Koopman, Margaret M. (2011). "A synopsis of the Malagasy endemic genus Megistostegium Hochr. (Hibisceae, Malvaceae)" (PDF). Adansonia. 3. Paris: Publications Scientifiques du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle. 33 (1): 112–113. doi:10.5252/a2011n1a7. S2CID 85429003. Retrieved 11 May 2017.