Picconia excelsa
| Picconia excelsa | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Oleaceae |
| Genus: | Picconia |
| Species: | P. excelsa
|
| Binomial name | |
| Picconia excelsa | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
Picconia excelsa, commonly known as palo blanco, pau blanco, or branqueiro, is a species of tree in the family Oleaceae. It is endemic to Macaronesia, occurring only on Madeira and the Canary Islands.
Distribution and habitat
Picconia excelsa can be found on the island of Madeira in the Madeira archipelago and on the islands of El Hierro, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, La Gomera, La Palma, and Tenerife in the Canary Islands. It primarily occurs in laurel forests at altitudes of 200–1,200 m (660–3,940 ft) above sea level,[1] though it can also be found growing in pine forests and heathland dominated by Myrica and Erica species. It is typically found in open areas on slopes or in valleys.[3]
Description
Picconia excelsa is an evergreen shrub or small tree growing to 10 m tall, usually surpassing the height of the other species in the genus, Picconia azorica. The leaves are opposite, 6–8 cm long, simple, with an entire margin, often curved down at the edges. The fruit is a black drupe 1–2 cm long.[4]
Ecology
Picconia excelsa is an important component of the laurel forests of Madeira and the Canary Islands.[1] It is known to be a host for the epiphytic liverwort Frullania polysticta, a laurel forest habitat specialist also endemic to Macaronesia.[5]
Conservation status
Previously assessed as vulnerable in 1998, Picconia excelsa is listed as least concern by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature as of 2017 on account of its prevalence throughout its range, its apparently stable population, and the absence of major threats. Current threats include invasive species and the exploitation of forest resources. This species is present in several protected areas, including Garajonay National Park and Madeira Natural Park, and is conserved ex situ in at least 25 collections, including a seed bank.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d da Silva Menezes de Sequeira, M.P.; Beech, E. (2017). "Picconia excelsa". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T30331A81868260. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T30331A81868260.en. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ "Picconia excelsa (Aiton) DC". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ "Picconia excelsa". Arbolapp Canarias. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid, and Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
- ^ Flora de Canarias: Picconia excelsa (in Spanish)
- ^ Sim-Sim, M.; Hodgetts, N.; Martins, A. (2019). "Frullania polysticta". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T39193A87713320. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-2.RLTS.T39193A87713320.en. Retrieved 27 October 2024.