Polyscias rodriguesiana

Polyscias rodriguesiana (formerly Gastonia rodriguesiana, locally known as "bois blanc") is a rare species of plant in the family Araliaceae.

Polyscias rodriguesiana
Adult plant at Anse Quitor Nature Reserve

Critically Endangered  (IUCN 2.3)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Apiales
Family: Araliaceae
Genus: Polyscias
Species:
P. rodriguesiana
Binomial name
Polyscias rodriguesiana
(Marais) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
Synonyms[2]
  • Gastonia rodriguesiana Marais

Habitat
A small juvenile plant, growing in coastal coral sediments at François Leguat Giant Tortoise and Cave Reserve.

It is endemic to the island of Rodrigues, in Mauritius. It used to occur throughout Rodrigues island, but was especially common in coastal regions and on limestone or old coral sediments. It is now critically endangered.

Description
"Bois blanc" can become tall and slender, when grown in deep shade, like this specimen in Grande Montagne Nature Reserve.

It has a soft, swollen trunk and thick branches. It can reach a height of 6 meters, but is usually shorter and more compact.

Its leaves are heterophyllous, like its close relative Polyscias maraisiana on Mauritius island to the west. Adult plants' leaves are shiny, rounded and bright green.[2]


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References
  1. Strahm, W. (1998). "Polyscias rodriguesiana". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 1998: e.T32503A9710314. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.1998.RLTS.T32503A9710314.en.
  2. "Polyscias rodriguesiana (Marais) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett". World Checklist of Selected Plant Families (WCSP). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 8 March 2014 – via The Plant List.


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