Diospyros tetraceros H. Perrier, 1952

Schatz, George E. & Lowry II, Porter P., 2020, Taxonomic studies of Diospyros L. (Ebenaceae) from the Malagasy region. IV. Synoptic revision of the Squamosa group in Madagascar and the Comoro Islands, Adansonia (3) 42 (9), pp. 201-218 : 218

Diospyros tetraceros H. Perrier

Mémoires de l’Institut scientifique de Madagascar, série B, Biologie végétale 4: 151 (1952).

— Lectotype (designated by Schatz & Lowry 2011): Madagascar. Boeny Region [Prov. Mahajanga], ravin rocailleux d’Antsahabe aux environs d’Amboanio , [15°49’S, 46°21’E], VI.1908, fr., Perrier de la Bâthie 8799 (lecto-, P [ P00573652 ]! ; isolecto-, P [ P00573651 , P00573653 ]!) .

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL EXAMINED. — Madagascar. Boeny Region [Prov. Mahajanga]: causse d’Ankara, Perrier de la Bâthie 1160 .

DISTRIBUTION AND ECOLOGY. — Diospyros tetraceros occurs in dry riverine forest in northwestern Madagascar in the Ambato-Boeny Region in the basin of the Betsiboka river ( Madagascar Catalogue 2020).

PHENOLOGY. — Diospyros tetraceros has been recorded in flower in January, and in fruit in June.

CONSERVATION STATUS. — Diospyros tetraceros has a geographic range in the form of an AOO of 8 km 2. It is not known from any protected areas, and is threatened by fire, forest clearing for agriculture, and collection of firewood and construction materials. With respect to the principal threats of fire and forest clearing for agriculture, D. tetraceros exists at two locations, and can therefore be assessed as Endangered [EN B2ab(iii)] ( IUCN 2012).

NOTES

Diospyros tetraceros has not been collected since 1908. It can be distinguished from other members of the Squamosa group by its small leaves and calyx lobes forming 4 horn-like projections and sinuses strongly revolute, nearly concealing the exterior surface of the calyx cup.