| Testulea | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Ochnaceae |
| Subfamily: | Ochnoideae |
| Tribe: | Testuleeae J.V.Schneid. |
| Genus: | Testulea Pellegr. |
| Species: | T. gabonensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Testulea gabonensis | |
Testulea is amonotypic genus of plants in the familyOchnaceae. It contains only one species,Testulea gabonensis, anendangered species native toCentral Africa.
T. gabonensis is native toCameroon,Equatorial Guinea,Gabon, and theRepublic of the Congo, where it grows inprimaryrainforests. It is usually scattered at low densities throughout its habitat and prefers humid, well-drained locations.[2]
T. gabonensis is a medium to large tree growing up to 50 m (160 ft) tall. Thetrunk is typically straight and cylindrical, growing up to 120 cm (47 in) in diameter, with steepbuttresses up to 3 m (9.8 ft) high. The yellowish-grey or yellowish-brown bark is scaly and falls away in small patches. The leaves areoblanceolate in shape, measuring 20–35 cm (7.9–13.8 in) long and 4–8 cm (1.6–3.1 in) wide. The tip of the leaf is short and pointed, and the edges are slight wavy. The leaves are arranged spirally, clustering near the tips of the branches. Theinflorescence is a falseraceme that grows up to 35 cm (14 in) long, with flowers arranged in groups of three or four. Thebisexual flowers arezygomorphic andtetramerous. The flowers may be yellowish-white to pink in colour and are borne onpedicels measuring approximately 1.5 cm (0.59 in) long. Thepetals andsepals are of unequal sizes, with the petals ranging from 1 cm (0.39 in) to 1.5 cm (0.59 in) long. Severalstaminodes are fused to form a long tube. The fruit is a rounded, flattenedcapsule measuring 3–6 cm (1.2–2.4 in) in diameter with a notch at the top. The seeds are cylindrical, measuring around 1 cm (0.39 in) long, with a papery wing that measures around 1.5 cm (0.59 in) long.[2]
T. gabonensis typically flowers from December to April, with the seeds dispersed by wind.Grey parrots are known to feed on the seeds.[2]
The wood ofT. gabonensis is durable and may be used as a substitute forteak. It is traded on the international timber market under the nameizombé, and used forboat-building, construction, furniture,mine props, sporting equipment, sculpting, andturnery. The bark is used intraditional medicine.[2]
T. gabonensis is listed asendangered by theInternational Union for Conservation of Nature under criterion A1cd, based on its declining population and continued exploitation for timber.[1] It is overexploited in much of its range, and is vulnerable due to its small distribution and low density.[2]
