Schizolaena charlotteae

Schizolaena charlotteae is a plant in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar. The specific epithet is for the botanist Charlotte Rajeriarson of the University of Antananarivo.

Description
Schizolaena charlotteae grows as a shrub or tree up to 15 m tall. Its twigs are glabrous with small lenticels. The subcoriaceous leaves are elliptic to ovate or obovate in shape. They are coloured chocolate brown above and more orangish below, measuring up to 7.5 cm long. The inflorescences bear numerous flowers, each with three sepals and five petals. The petals are bright pinkish red with yellow borders and measure up to 1.4 cm long. The roundish fruits measure up to 1.5 cm in diameter.

Distribution and habitat
Schizolaena charlotteae is known only from the southeastern coastal region of Anosy. Its habitat is lowland humid forest from sea-level to about 500 m altitude.

Threats
Schizolaena charlotteae is currently known only from a single forest, Bemangidy-Ivohibe. The forest is temporarily protected as part of Tsitongambarika New Protected Area, but permanent protection has yet to be granted. The forest is vulnerable to human activity, including illicit harvesting. The preliminary status of the species is Vulnerable.