Megistostegium perrieri

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Megistostegium perrieri
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Megistostegium
Species:
M. perrieri
Binomial name
Megistostegium perrieri

Megistostegium perrieri is a plant in the family Malvaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar.

Description[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

The leaves of M. perrieri are locally used to treat coughs. The branches are sometimes used for decorative purposes.[3]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Faranirina, L. (2018). "Megistostegium perrieri". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T70102776A70103063. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  2. ^ a b "Megistostegium perrieri". Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of Madagascar. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 11 May 2017 – via Tropicos.org.
  3. ^ a b c d Koopman, Margaret M. (2011). "A synopsis of the Malagasy endemic genus Megistostegium Hochr. (Hibisceae, Malvaceae)" (PDF). Adansonia. 3. 33 (1). Paris: Publications Scientifiques du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle: 112–113. doi:10.5252/a2011n1a7. S2CID 85429003. Retrieved 11 May 2017.