Calantica decaryana H. Perrier

Applequist, Wendy L., Phillipson, Peter B. & Schatz, George E., 2014, A synoptic revision of the Malagasy endemic genus Calantica Jaub. ex Tul. (Salicaceae), Adansonia (3) 36 (1), pp. 83-102 : 91-92

5. Calantica decaryana H. Perrier

Mémoires du Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle de Paris, n.s., 13: 285-286 (1940).

— Type: Madagascar, Prov. Toliara, district d’Ambovombe, Antanimora, bord de l’Ikonda , 13.V.1925, fl., Decary 3825 (holo-, P! [ P00346107 ] ; iso-, P!; L, photo seen).

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL EXAMINED. — Madagascar. Prov. Toliara, Anosy , Amboasary , Marotsiraka , Antsonjo Analamainty , Fourré au Sud de Betsimalaho , Fourré d’Ambatofoty Masay , au bord de la rivière d’Ankazomanga, 24°18’16”S, 46°08’01”E, 350 m, 11.XI.2008, fl., Andriamihajarivo et al. 1571 (MO). — Antanimora, XII.1959, fl., Bosser 13912 (MO, P×2). — Réserve Naturelle 11, Andohahela ,parcelle 2, NE of Amboasary , near Hazofotsy ,24°50’S, 46°32’E, 100 m, 27.XI.1991, fl., Malcomber 1094 (MO). — Anosy, Fort-Dauphin , Ambatoabo , Ankoba , 24°47’56”S, 46°40’24”E, 162 m, 21.II.2009, fl., Randrianaivo et al. 1733 (MO). — Ravin dans la descente du plateau calcaire, entre la Table ( Tuléar ) et Ambohimahavelona , I.1962, fl., Service Forestier 20842 (MO, P). — Imonty (bassin de la Mananara , affluent du Mandrare ), 15.I.1963, fl., Service Forestier 22415 (MO, P×2). — À la base du massif de l’Angavo, à l’E d’Antanimora, 23.I.1963, fr., Service Forestier 22466 (P).

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT

Calantica decaryana is native to subarid bush or subarid Alluaudia-Euphorbia forest in southern Madagascar, sometimes on streambanks or in ravines; reported altitudes range from 100 to 350 m.

REMARKS

Calantica decaryana is a shrub or small tree. The perianth is green, fading to reddish or purplish, and the anthers yellow. The flowers are reported to have a pungent, ammonia-like odor and to be frequented by butterflies (Malcomber 1094).

Two duplicates of the type collection are present at P. One of these has a second label with locality data and bears some handwritten notes, while the other has no detailed label or handwritten notes; the former should be treated as the holotype sheet.

Ethnobotany

The plant is used against yellow fever (Andriamihajarivo et al. 1571).

Vernacular name

Kotika (Andriamihajarivo et al. 1571).

CONSERVATION STATUS

The preliminary assessment of the conservation status of Calantica decaryana is Vulnerable (VU B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)), with an Extent of Occurrence of 11,317 km 2 and an Area of Occupancy of less than 2000 km 2. The species is known from only six locations, only one of which is protected (Andohahela), and remaining natural vegetation in the native range is subject to ongoing anthropogenic degradation.