Planchonella reticulata
Planchonella reticulata is a flowering plant in the sapodilla family, Sapotaceae. It is a shrub or tree endemic to east-central New Caledonia.[2] The specific epithet refers to the reticulate venation (network-like pattern of the veins) on the leaves.[3]
| Planchonella reticulata | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Sapotaceae |
| Genus: | Planchonella |
| Species: | P. reticulata |
| Binomial name | |
| Planchonella reticulata | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
| |
Description
It is a small tree growing to 6 m, occasionally 10 m, in height, with a watery, white latex. The alternate, oval leaves are usually 40–80 mm long and 20–40 mm wide. The inconspicuous green flowers, 8 mm long, appear from May to July. The pointed, egg-shaped fruits are 13 mm long.[3]
Distribution and habitat
The species is endemic to the French territory of New Caledonia in the south-west Pacific Ocean. It has a scattered distribution on the central ultramafic massif and along the east coast of Grand Terre, from Goro to Tontouta and from Canala to Poro, and on the Isle of Pines. It grows in shrubland (maquis) or dense humid forest over ultramafic rock from 5 to 960 metres elevation.[1]
Some authorities list the species as native to Lord Howe Island. The Lord Howe population is now classed as Planchonella myrsinifolia subsp. howeana.[4]
References
- Barrault, J., Bruy, D., Butin, J.-P., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Gâteblé, G., Laudereau, C., Mandaoué, L., Munzinger, J. & Vandrot, H. 2022. Planchonella reticulata. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: e.T211780533A211786382. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-1.RLTS.T211780533A211786382.en. Accessed 9 June 2023.
- Planchonella reticulata (Baill.) Pierre ex Dubard. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
- "Planchonella reticulata (Baill.) Pierre ex Dubard". Flora of Australia. Australian Biological Resources Study (ABRS). 8 June 2023. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
- Planchonella myrsinifolia subsp. howeana (F.Muell.) Jessup. New South Wales Flora Online. Retrieved 9 June 2023.