Megistostegium microphyllum

Megistostegium microphyllum
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Malvales
Family:	Malvaceae
Genus:	Megistostegium
Species:	M. microphyllum
Binomial name
	Megistostegium microphyllum; Hochr.[1]

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

Description

Megistostegium microphyllum grows as a shrub up to 4 metres (13 ft) tall. Its glabrous leaves are orbicular to elliptical in shape. They are coloured gray-green to bright green and measure up to 1.8 cm (1 in) long. The flowers are erect with an orange to red epicalyx and a light green to light pink corolla. The pollen is purple when fresh.[2]

Distribution and habitat

Megistostegium microphyllum is found at numerous locations throughout southern Madagascar, including in protected areas. Its habitat is forests from sea level to about 500 m (1,600 ft) altitude.[1]

Threats

Threats to Megistostegium in general include grazing by goats, invasive plants competing for limited water supplies and the possible extinction of pollinators. The preliminary conservation status of M. microphyllum is Vulnerable.[2]

Uses

The bark, leaves and twigs of M. microphyllum are locally used to treat conditions including eye ailments and stomach aches. The branches are sometimes used for decorative purposes.[2]

References

"Megistostegium microphyllum". Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of Madagascar. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 8 May 2017 – via Tropicos.org.
Koopman, Margaret M. (2011). "A synopsis of the Malagasy endemic genus Megistostegium Hochr. (Hibisceae, Malvaceae)" (PDF). Adansonia. 3. Paris: Publications Scientifiques du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle. 33 (1): 108–110. doi:10.5252/a2011n1a7. S2CID 85429003. Retrieved 8 May 2017.

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[Tropicos-1] "Megistostegium microphyllum". Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of Madagascar. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 8 May 2017 – via Tropicos.org.

[Adansonia-2] Koopman, Margaret M. (2011). "A synopsis of the Malagasy endemic genus Megistostegium Hochr. (Hibisceae, Malvaceae)" (PDF). Adansonia. 3. Paris: Publications Scientifiques du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle. 33 (1): 108–110. doi:10.5252/a2011n1a7. S2CID 85429003. Retrieved 8 May 2017.