Melanochyla auriculata
| Melanochyla auriculata | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus: | Melanochyla |
| Species: | M. auriculata
|
| Binomial name | |
| Melanochyla auriculata | |
Melanochyla auriculata, the swamp rengas,[1] is a flowering plant in the family Anacardiaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia.[3]
Description
Melanochyla auriculata grows as a tree up to 30 m (100 ft) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 70 cm (28 in). It has buttresses up to 2 m (7 ft) high. The smooth bark is green to grey. The leaves are obovate and measure up to 46 cm (18 in) long and to 10 cm (4 in) wide. The inflorescences, in panicles, feature white flowers. The fruits are rusty and measure up to 3.5 cm (1.4 in) wide.[3]
Taxonomy
Melanochyla auriculata was first described by British botanist Joseph Dalton Hooker in 1876 in The flora of British India.[2] The type specimen was collected in Malacca. The specific epithet auriculata means 'ear-like', referring to the leaf base.[3]
Distribution and habitat
Melanochyla auriculata is native to Borneo, Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. Its habitat is in lowland swamp forest and mixed dipterocarp forests.[1]
Conservation
Melanochyla auriculata has been assessed as near threatened on the IUCN Red List. The species' habitat is threatened by deforestation and conversion of land for agriculture, especially in its Borneo range. It is not present in any protected areas.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d Ganesan, S.K. (2021). "Melanochyla auriculata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T194361991A194362022. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T194361991A194362022.en. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
- ^ a b "Melanochyla auriculata Hook.f." Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
- ^ a b c Kochummen, K. M. (1996). "Melanochyla Hook.f.". In Soepadmo, E.; Wong, K. M.; Saw, L. G. (eds.). Tree Flora of Sabah and Sarawak. Vol. 2. Forest Research Institute Malaysia. pp. 49–50. ISBN 983-9592-56-4.