Pandanus conglomeratus

Pandanus conglomeratus is a species of plant in the family Pandanaceae, endemic to Mauritius, but possibly extinct.

Pandanus conglomeratus
Botanical illustration of the multiple fruit-heads of Pandanus conglomeratus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Pandanales
Family: Pandanaceae
Genus: Pandanus
Species:
P. conglomeratus
Binomial name
Pandanus conglomeratus
Synonyms

Pandanus reflexus (de Vriese) K.Koch

Description edit

A short (4-5m), sparsely-branched tree. The sharp, pale green leaves are armed with large, white, erect spines.

This species can be distinguished by its oblong fruit-heads, several of which appear together on a pendulous peduncle. It is the only species of Mauritius to have more than one fruit-head on the same stalk.

Distribution edit

It was endemic to Mauritius, where it was formerly common in the damper parts of the highlands. It was recently recorded from near Midlands (Riviere Eau Bleue), Fressanges and Beau-Bassin. However it now appears to be extinct.[2][3][4]

References edit

  1. ^ http://www.catalogueoflife.org/col/details/species/id/c0a669778d63929b15e4dca6b507a3f0 Pandanus conglomeratus]. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 23 August 2007.
  2. ^ Vaughan RE, Wiehe PO (1953) The genus Pandanus in the Mascarene Islands. Journal of the Linnean Society of London, Botany 55(356): 1-33. doi: 10.1111/j.1095-8339.1953.tb00001.x.
  3. ^ Strahm, W.A. 1993. The conservation and restoration of the flora of Mauritius and Rodrigues. Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis (2 vols.), Reading University, UK.
  4. ^ Vaughan, R.E. and Wiehe, P.O. 1953. Flore des Mascareignes, Genus Pandanus. The Sugar Industry Research Institute, Mauritius, ORSTOM, Paris and RBG, Kew.