Schizolaena isaloensis

Schizolaena isaloensis is a tree in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar. The specific epithet refers to Isalo National Park, near where the species was identified.

Description
Schizolaena isaloensis grows as a tree up to 10 m tall. The bark is thick and spongy. Its subcoriaceous leaves are elliptic to ovate or obovate in shape and coloured dark green above and pale green below. They measure up to 4 cm long. The inflorescences of one to three axes each bear one or two flowers each with three sepals and five white petals. A light green involucre hides the young fruit. Specimen notes found "young growth or coppicing plants somewhat glabrous; mature plants tomentose".

Distribution and habitat
Schizolaena isaloensis is known only from the south central regions of Ihorombe and Atsimo-Andrefana, specifically within and just beyond the southern limit of Isalo National Park and near the RN7 road. Its habitat is the central region's Tapia woodlands which are often severely degraded; the recorded specimens occurred in open grassland.

Threats
Schizolaena isaloensis has been found in very low numbers – at most 50 mature individuals. The recorded specimens are outside any protected area. Fires have been the main threat, which mature trees can withstand but younger trees cannot.