Ixora scheffleri
| Ixora scheffleri | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Rubiaceae |
| Genus: | Ixora |
| Species: | I. scheffleri
|
| Binomial name | |
| Ixora scheffleri K.Schum. & K.Krause
| |
Ixora scheffleri is small to medium-sized tree species within the family Rubiaceae. It is among four Ixora species occurring in Africa than has a predominant tree habit.[1] It has two infraspecifics, one of which is endangered, the Ixora scheffleri subsp. keniensis.[1]
Description
[edit]Ixora scheffleri grows up to 17 m in height, the bark is brown to grey in color and the slash is soft and fibrous, pale pink to brownish in color.[2] Leaves tend to be glabrous, simple, and opposite with stipules and petioles present; leaflets are elliptic to oblong in outline. Inflorescence is corymbose in arrangement, sessile and pedunculate, peduncle reaches up to 10 cm long, flowers are white in color with pink spots on the corolla tube.[2]
Subspecies
[edit]- Ixora scheffleri subsp. keniensis[3]
- Ixora scheffleri subsp. scheffleri
Distribution
[edit]The species is endemic to Eastern Africa from Uganda southwards to Tanzania. It occurs in montane regions along the Eastern arc mountains in Uluguru, Mulanje, Imatongs and Usambara mountain ranges.[1]
Uses
[edit]The species is used as an ornamental plant.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Njenga, Peter Kariuki (2008). Reproductive Biology, Propagation and Ex Situ Conservation Strategies of a Critically Endangered Kenyan Hardwood Species: Ixora scheffleri K.Schum. & K.Krause, subspecies Ixora scheffleri subsp. keniensis (PhD thesis). Jomo Kenyatta University.
- ^ a b c Lovett, Jon, ed. (2006). Field Guide to the Moist Forest Trees of Tanzania. York, UK: Centre for Ecology Law and Policy, Environment Department, The University of York, York, UK. ISBN 978-1-873070-33-8.
- ^ "Ixora scheffleri K.Schum. & K.Krause | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 2023-12-11.