Tomentose delonix (Delonix tomentosa)

Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Delonix tomentosa: Rare and Endangered Malagasy Tree

Represented only by a single type specimen collected more than a century ago, this rare tree remains one of Madagascar's most mysterious botanical species. It has not been observed in the wild since its initial discovery.

The species is endemic to the western parts of the island, specifically the Ankara plateau. Due to the lack of recent sightings, botanists fear it may already be extinct.

Taxonomy

  • ∟ царство Plantae
  • ∟ division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
  • ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
  • ∟ Angiosperms
  • ∟ mesangiosperms (Core angiosperms)
  • ∟ eudicots
  • ∟ Superrosids
  • ∟ rosids
  • ∟ order Fabales
  • ∟ family Fabaceae
  • ∟ subfamily Caesalpinioideae
  • ∟ genus Delonix (Flamboyant tree)
  • ∟ species Delonix tomentosa (Tomentose delonix)

Living Pulse

Powered by iNaturalist

Morphology

The Latin name tomentosa indicates that the tree possesses tomentose or hairy structures on its foliage or stems. It grows in tropical biomes characterized by a distinct dry season, at elevations up to 500 meters.

Interesting facts

The primary threat to this species is the occurrence of periodic wildfires that degrade its native habitat. Since it is only known from a specimen collected over 100 years ago, it represents a critical priority for botanical surveys.

Geography of distribution

  • Madagascar

Sources

  • World Flora Online (WFO)
  • Plants of the World Online (POWO)
  • Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

See also