Rotheca nudiflora (Moldenke) Callm. & Phillipson

Callmander, Martin W., Phillipson, Peter B. & Gautier, Laurent, 2012, Notes on the flora of Madagascar, 26, Candollea 67 (2), pp. 369-372 : 371

Rotheca nudiflora (Moldenke) Callm. & Phillipson , comb. nova.

÷ Clerodendrum nudiflorum Moldenke in Phytologia 3: 407. 1951.

Typus: MADAGASCAR. Prov. Antsiranana: Sambirano , 8.VI.1908, fl., Perrier de laBâthie 10221 (holo-: P [ P004 46663 ]!).

= Clerodendrum nudiflorum var. puberulentum Moldenke in Phytologia 3: 409. 1951.

Typus: MADAGASCAR. Prov. Toliara: env. d’Ampandrandava, entre Bekily et Tsivory , [24°05’S 45°42’E], 700-1000 m, IX-X.1942, fl., Seyrig 91 (holo-: P [ P00446664 ]!).

Observations. – Rotheca nudiflora is the third species of the genus recognized for Madagascar and it is only one that is endemic. It can be easily recognized among other species of Rotheca by its phenology: it is the only Malagasy species that flowers early in the season before the leaves develop ( Fig. 1 ). MOLDENKE (1951) recognized two varieties within Clerodendrum nudiflorum , segregating a single collection Seyrig 91, from southern Madagascar, as C. nudiflorum var. puberulentum on the basis of its puberulent rachis, peduncle, pedicels and calyx. Our critical review of all specimens available at G, K, MO, P and TAN has suggested that infraspecific taxa cannot be recognised in Rotheca nudiflora , since there appears to be a variable degree of pubescence throughout its range in the dry forests and thickets of Madagascar. Besides, generally glabrous individuals often appear to have some pubescence in early stages of development.

Conservation status. – With an extent of occurrence (EOO) of> 470,000 km 2, an area of occupancy (AOO) of 216 km 2 and> 20 subpopulations, several encompassed in formally protected areas (Andohahela, Ankarana, Bemaraha, Beza Mahafaly, Namoroka), R. nudiflora is assigned a preliminary status of Least Concern (LC) following the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (calculation following CALLMANDER & al., 2007).

Figures

Fig. 1. – Living plants of Rotheca nudiflora (Moldenke) Callm. & Phillipson. A. Leafless stems, markedly asymmetrical flower buds; B. Corolla expanded abruptly in lower part with large anterior corolla lobe, non-resupinate flowers, basifixed anthers and green, non-fleshy fruits. [A: Ratovoson 1376 from Ampombiantambo, SW of Antsiranana; B: Phillipson & al. 5942 from Ranobe forest, N of Toliara] [Photos: A: F. Ratovoson; B: P. B. Phillipson]