Cryptocarya oblonga (Kosterm.) van der Werff

van der Werff, Henk, 2013, Nomenclatural notes on Cryptocarya R. Br. (Lauraceae) from Madagascar, Candollea 68 (2), pp. 303-306 : 303

Cryptocarya oblonga (Kosterm.) van der Werff , comb. nova.

Ξ Ravensara oblonga Kosterm. in Bull. Jard. Bot. Etat Bruxelles 28: 184. 1958.

Typus: MADAGASCAR. Prov. Toliara: Mandena, Fort-Dauphin , 1.V.1955, st., Service Forestier 13163 (holo-: P [ P00853162 ]!; iso-: BO, P [ P00540966 ], TEF [ TEF000298 ]).

Observations. – The type (the only collection known when the species was described) is sterile. Four recent collections have broadened our knowledge of this species. Dumetz 696 (st.) is also from Mandena, at an altitude of 10 m. Rajoharison & al. 222 is from Antsotso, and occurs in “forêt sur sable”. Its fruits are round, smooth, ca 1.3 × 1.3 cm, with the tepals persisting on top of the fruits, and its infructescences are short, up to 3 cm long. Ramison & Rabehevitra 557 is from Sainte Luce in “forêt littorale”. The inflorescences are short, ca 2 cm long, clustered distally on the twigs and resemble a terminal inflorescence. The young growth is densely ferruginous pubescent although the indument wears off quickly. Leaves of this species are to 10 cm long, with an obtuse to rounded base and a rounded or emarginated apex. Lateral veins are immersed on the upper leaf surface and immersed or weakly raised on the lower surface. The fruits are ruminate.

Cryptocarya oblonga , a small tree to 10 m tall, is restricted to asmall area of coastal forest on sand Nof Tolagnaro (Fort Dauphin).

Recent collections seen. – MADAGASCAR. Prov. Toliara: Mandena, 24º57’S 47º00’E, 0-10 m, 17.IV.1989, st., Dumetz 696 ( MO); Ampasy , 24º57’25’’S 47º00’04’’E, 0-10 m, 30.IX.2000, st., Rabenantoandro & al. 296 ( MO); Iabakoho , Antsotso, 24º35’S 47º12’E, 27.V.2007, fr., Rajoharison & al. 222 ( MO); Mahatalaky, Sainte Luce , 24º47’S 47º11’E, 2.II.2008, fl., Ramison & Rabehevitra 557 ( MO).