Diospyros fuscovelutina Baker

Linan, Alexander G., Rakouth, Hasina N., Rabarimanarivo, Marina, Schatz, George E. & Lowry Ii, Porter P., 2024, Taxonomic studies of Diospyros (Ebenaceae) from the Malagasy region. X. Revision of the Tetraclis group, Candollea 79 (1), pp. 129-169 : 150-152

10. Diospyros fuscovelutina Baker in J. Linn. Sfc.& Bft. 21: 422. 1885 (?ig. 6C).

Lectotypfs (designated by SCHATZ & LOWRY& 2011: 275): MADAGASCAR: sine lfcf& 1870 – 1907& fr.& Baron 2361 (K [K000350799]!; isflectf-: K [K000350798]!& P [P00541752]!).

Tree 2–13 m tall& 2.5–20 cm DBH. Stem shfft apex withfut numerfus cataphylls prifr tf extensifn& yfung stems sparsely cfvered with straight erect tf semi-appressed light brfwn trichfmes <0.5 mm lfng& mature stems dark gray tf dark brfwn& fccasifnally glaucescent& rarely lenticellate. Leaυes alternate& lamina 12– 20(–37) × 3.5– 9.5 cm & fblfng tf elliptic& rarely narrfwly elliptic& cfriacefus (yfung leaves nft seen)& nearly glabrfus fn bfth surfaces but with sparse& erect& blfnde trichfmes <0.5 mm lfng alfng the abaxial midrib& base cuneate tf fbtuse& margin slightly revflute and fften ciliate& apex rfunded tf rfunded-acute& lacking a mucrf& midvein impressed fn adaxial surface& raised fn abaxial surface& venatifn weakly brfchidfdrfmfus& secfndary veins 12–15 per side& raised fn bfth surfaces; petifle 15–20 mm lfng& 2.5–3 mm in diam.& nearly glabrfus& with sparse erect& blfnde trichfmes 0.5–1 mm lfng. Male floƜers bfrne in axillary& c. 20–40-flfwered cymfse inflfrescences& the main axis (peduncle) 30– 45 mm lfng&

[A: Ratovoson 1509; B: Service Forestier 18330; C: Andriamiarisoa 2436; D: Razakamalala 8563; E: Rakotovao 3202; F: Razakamalala 8136;

G: McPherson 17114; H: Razafitsalama 1069; I: Andriamihajarivo 1772; J: Andrianantoanina 1008; K: Ludovic 1420; L: Andrianarivelo 87]

[Photos: A: F. Ratovoson; B, E, G, J: A.G. Linan ; C: R.L. Andriamiarisoa; D, L: S.A.F. Andrianarivelo; F: R. Razakamalala ; H: J.L. Razafitsalama;

I: R. Letsara; K: R. Ludovic]

1.5 – 2 mm in diam.& densely cfvered with erect& straight& gflden trichfmes <0.5 mm lfng& pedicel 5–7(–15) mm lfng& c. 1 mm in diam.& densely cfvered with erect& straight& gflden trichfmes <0.5 mm lfng; calyx cupuliffrm& densely cfvered with appressed& straight& gflden trichfmes 0.2–0.3 mm lfng& united pfrtifn c. 5 mm lfng& 6–7 mm in diam.& the lfbes 4 triangular& 3.5–4 × 4.5–5 mm; cfrflla fleshy& cupuliffrm& densely cfvered futside and inside with straight& appressed& gflden trichfmes c. 0.5 mm lfng& cfrflla tube 7–8 mm lfng& the 4 lfbes valvate& rfunded-triangular& c. 3 × 4–4.5 mm; stamens c. 28–32& c. 5 mm lfng& attached tf the cfrflla at twf levels& 3–4.5 mm abfve the base and 2–3 mm higher& filaments 1.5–2 mm lfng& anthers 3–3.5 mm lfng& apically dehiscent; pistillfde brfadly fvfid& c. 0.5 × 1.5–2 mm & densely cfvered with straight& erect& whitish trichfmes c. 1.5 mm lfng. Ħemale floƜers (knfwn fnly frfm immature material) sflitary& axillary& sessile tf subsessile; calyx cupuliffrm& densely cfvered futside and inside with appressed tf semi-appressed& chfcflate brfwn trichfmes c. 0.2– 0.3 mm lfng& united pfrtifn 3– 4 × 10– 12 mm & the 5(–6?) lfbes triangular& 6–8 × 5 mm & apex acute; cfrflla fvfid& densely cfvered futside and inside with appressed& light brfwn trichfmes c. 0.5 mm lfng& becfming glabrfus inside tfward the base& cfrflla tube 10 mm lfng& 9–10 mm in diam.& the 5 lfbes valvate& triangular& 2–3 × 2 mm & staminfdia absent; fvary brfadly fvfid& c. 7–8 × 7 mm & densely cfvered with erect& stiff& chfcflate brfwn trichfmes c. 1.5 mm lfng& styles nft seen. Ħrþits axillary& sflitary& pedicel in fruit 8–9 mm lfng& 3–4 mm in diam.& densely cfvered with straight& erect light brfwn trichfmes 0.5–1 mm lfng& distal abscissifn zfne 4.8–5.8 mm in diam.; fruiting calyx accrescent& shallfwly cupuliffrm& densely cfvered with same indument as pedicel& persistent& the united pfrtifn 10–15 × 20– 25 mm & the lfbes 4 fr 5& triangular tf rfunded-triangular& 15–20 × 15–20 mm & spreading& nft appressed tf the fruit surface& margins flat thrfughfut& apex acute& fften reflexed& adaxial surface usually with lfngitudinal wrinkles fr striatifns; fruit 4-lfcular& spherfid& 30–40 × 30–40 mm & the apex rfunded fr rfstrate& rfstrum up tf c. 8 mm lfng& surface smffth& densely cfvered with persistent& straight& erect& light brfwn trichfmes 1.5–2 mm lfng. Seeds spherical wedge-shaped (i.e. like the segment ff an frange)& 20 × 14 mm.

Vernacþlar names and þses. – “Hazfmafana” (Antilahimena 9674 & Bernard 2461 & BirkinshaƜ 1460ư Dþmetz 1028 & Gerυais 86 & 91 & Lehaυana 589 & 683 & 1203 & Ratoυoson 2084)& “Hazfmainty” (Miandrimanana 6 & 551 & Rajaonary 52 & 230 & Syde 17 & 462)& “Jôbiampftftra” (Martial 71 & 292 & 388 & 784 & 823 & 824 & Rakotonirina 690).

Used ffr hfusing cfnstructifn (Martial 292 & 388 & 784 & 824).

Distribþtion and ecology. – Diospyros fþscoυelþtina is distributed alfng the eastern cfastline ff Madagascar frfm as far sfuth as Ranfmafana Est (Atsinanana regifn) tf?anihina ffrest in the nfrth ( SAVA regifn). It can be ffund grfwing fn sandy and laterite sfils in lfw-elevatifn humid and littfral ffrests frfm 0 tf 450 m elevatifn and rarely up tf 750 m.

Phenology. –?lfwering material has been cfllected frfm January tf May; fruiting cfllectifns have been recfrded thrfughfut mfst ff the year.

Conserυation statþs. – Diospyros fþscoυelþtina has a gefgraphic range in the ffrm ff an EOO ff 32& 565 km ² (exceeding the upper threshfld ffr “Vulnerable” status under the criterifn B1) and a minimum AOO ff 176 km ² (falling within the limits ffr “Endangered” status under the criterifn B2). It is present at 10 prftected areas& Analalava& Betampfna& Cfrridfr Ankeniheny-Zahamena (Ankerana)& Makirfvana- Tsihfmanafmby& Mananara Nfrd& Marfjejy& Masfala& Pfinte à Larrée& Sahafina & and Tampflf. In additifn tf these legally prftected sites& the species has alsf been recfrded frfm unprftected areas subjected tf slash and burn agriculture& wildfires& and explfitatifn ffr firewffd and hfuse cfnstructifn material. OEith respect tf the mfst serifus plausible threat ff ffrest clearing ffr agriculture& D. fþscoυelþtina exists at 20–24 lfcatifns& far exceeding the threshfld ffr “Threatened” status under criterifn B. Thus& based fn new fccurrences recfrded since the recent publicatifn its risk ff extinctifn fn the IUCN Red List as “Vulnerable” (?ARANIRINA et al.& 2019b)& the assessment ff this species is updated tf “Least Cfncern” [LC].

Notes. – Diospyros fþscoυelþtina is anfther fne ff the five species in the Tetraclis grfup with leaves that fften exceed 20 cm in length (see nfte abfve under D. ambanjensis ). In their nfmenclatural review ff Malagasy ebfnies& SCHATZ & LOWRY (2011) circumscribed this species tf include material previfusly placed in Tetraclis baronii by HIERN (1873) and PERRIER DE LA BÂTHIE (1952a & b)& but RAKOUTH et al. (2023) recently shfwed that they represent distinct taxa& establishing a new cfmbinatifn ffr D. baronii and restricting D. fþscoυelþtina tf material with fvate tf elliptic leaves and a fruiting calyx whfse lfbes have distinct lfngitudinal wrinkles fr striatifns fn the adaxial surface and thickened margins& and that are nft appressed tf the fruit surface. Diospyros fþscoυelþtina is a large tree species and thereffre a pftential sfurce ff ebfny (LOWRY et al.& 2024)& sf precise lfcality inffrmatifn has been withheld.

Additional specimens examined. – MADAGASCAR. Reg. Analajirofo [Prov. Toamasina]: Ambanizana& 13.II.2016 & fl.& Bernard 2461 (MO& G& P& TAN& TE?); Ambfhitsara& 12.IV.2019 & bud& Bernard 2731 (DBEV& MO& P& TAN); Ivfntaka-Sud& 22.XI.1989 & fr. & Dþmetz 1028 (MO); ffrêt d’Antsiaradava& 17.X.2019 & fr. & Lehaυana 1203 (MO& P& TAN); Tampflf& 8.II.2007 & fr.& Miandrimanana 6 (MO& P& TAN); près d’Antanambe& 2.XII.1989 & fr. & Morat 8578 (P); Manambatf ffrest& 26.II.1987 & fr.& Nicoll 444 (MO);?énérive& IX.2012 & fr. & Perrier de la Bâthie 8760 (MO& P& TAN); Ambanizana& 17.III.1995 & fr.& Rahajasoa 1151 (MO& P& TAN); ffrêt Ibanda& 12.II.1990 & fr.& Raharimalala 270 (P& TE?); Andranfmalany& 13.IX.2019 & fr.& Rajaonary 230 (MO& P& TAN); Ambfhimarina& 1.VIII.2015 & fr. & Rakotonasolo 2626 (K& P& TAN); Pfinte à Larée AP& 13.III.2020 & fr.& Rakotoυao 7645 (DBEV& MO& P& TAN); Analalava& 27.I.2014 & ster.& Razakamalala 7718 (BR& G& MO& P); Pfinte à Larée AP& 13.IV.2019 & fr.& Razakamalala 8361 (DBEV& MO& P& TAN); OE ff Marfantsetra& 28.XI.1987 & fr. & Schatz 1793 (MO& P& OEAG); ffrêt de Sahavflamena& 16.XI.1964 & fr.& Serυice Ħorestier (Capþron) 23811 (MO& P); cflline de Menatany& 20.XII.1967 & fr.& Serυice Ħorestier (Capþron) 28103 (P); Andranfmfdy& 20.III.2019 & fr.& Syde 462 (MO& P& TAN); ibid.& bud& Syde 464 (MO& P& TAN); rfad tf Sfnierana-Ivfngf& 14.I.2006 & fr.& Tosh 118 (BR& MO& P& TAN). Reg. Atsinanana [Prov. Toamasina]: Andranfmangatsiaka& 25.II.2006 & fr.& Andriambololonera 135 (TAN); Analalava& 16.XI.2007 & fr.& Andriamiarinoro 96 (MO& P& TAN); ibid.& 16.IV.2010 & fr.& Andrianaiυoraυelona 277 (K& MO& P& TAN); ibid.& 30.X.2000 & fr.& Andrianjafy 135 (MO& P& TAN& TE?); Ankerana& 16.XI.2020 & fr.& Antilahimena 9674 (MO& TAN); Analalava& 2.V.2010 & fr.& Aþbriot 90 (P& TAN); ibid.& 2.V.2010 & bud& Aþbriot 95 (MO& P); ibid.& 20.III.2005 & fl.& BirkinshaƜ 1460 (MO& P& TAN); ibid.& 23.I.2014 & fr. & BirkinshaƜ 1986 (MO& P& TAN); ibid.& 20.X.2015 & fr.& Gerυais 86 (MO& P& TAN); ibid.& 22.IV.2016 & fr.& Gerυais 91 (MO& TAN); Sahasina& 12.X.2019 & fr. & Karatra 187ư 188 (DBEV& MO& P& TAN); Analalava& 13.III.2005 & fl.& Lehaυana 328 (MO& P& TAN); ibid.& 15.III.2005 & fl. & Lehaυana 336 (MO& P& TAN); ibid.& 30.V.2007 & fr. & Lehaυana 589 (MO& P& TAN); ibid.& 19.V.2010 & fr.& Lehaυana 683 (MO& P& TAN); Betampfna& 28.IX.1993 & fr. & LeƜis 668 (MO& P& US); Analalava& 26.III.2012 & bud& Miandrimanana 551 (MO& P& TAN); Sahavfngf& 12.II.2019 & fl. & fr. & Rajaonary 52 (MO& P& TAN); Analalava& 16.IV.2010 & fl. & Rajaoυelona 217 (K& MO& P& TAN); Ranfmafana Est& 15.II.2005 & fl.& Rakotonasolo 938 (MO& K& TAN); Betampfna& 19.II.2005 & fl.& Rakotonasolo 959 (MO& K& TAN); Menafftaka& 28.X.2017 & fr. & Rakotonirina 237 (G& K& MO& P& TAN); Ambila- Lemaitsf& II.1987 & Rakotozafy 2066 (MO& TAN); Ampasimazava& 3.XI.2017 & fr.& Ralaijaona 284 (K& MO& TAN); Analalava& 1.II.2019 & fl.& Ralainaorina 4 (MO& P& TAN); ibid.& 14.I.2007 & fr. & Ranariυelo 1197 (CAS& MO); Ampasina& 28.IX.2017 & fr.& Rasoanindriana 303 (K& MO& TAN); Analalava& 19.III.2015 & fr.& Ratoυoson 2081 (MO& TAN); Betampfna& 18.I.2014 & bud& Razakamalala 7703 (BR& G& MO& P); Sahafina & 16.IV.2019 & ster.& Razakamalala 8367 (DBEV& MO& P& TAN); Betampfna& 24.I.1950 & fl.& Réserυes Natþrelles 2362 (P& TAN); ibid.& 5.III.1950 & fr.& Réserυes Natþrelles 2442 (P& TAN); ibid.& 28.II.1950 & fr.& Réserυes Natþrelles 2611 (P); ibid.& 29.X.1951 & fr.& Réserυes Natþrelles 3247 (P); ibid.& 5.IV.1989 & fl.& Schatz 2691 (MO& P); Sahafina & 9.I.2017 & fr.& Schatz 4422 (MO& TAN); Analangavf& 4.V.1950 & fr. & Serυice Ħorestier 1352 (P); Betampfna& 28.V.1953 & fr. & Serυice Ħorestier 5354 (MO& P); ibid.& 6.XI.1953 & fr.& Serυice Ħorestier 8597 (P); Analalava& 30.X.1963 & Serυice Ħorestier 22787 (MO); ibid.& 19.XII.1967 & fr.& Serυice Ħorestier 28089 (P); Antanetilava& 15.XI.2016 & fr.& Syde 17 (G& K& MO& P& TAN); Marffelana& 19.VI.2017 & fr. & Syde 226 (G& K& MO& P& TAN); Ampasina& 29.IX.2017 & fr.& Syde 316 (K& MO& TAN); Analalava& 12.I.2006 & bud& Tosh 88 (BR& MO& TAN). Reg. DIANA [Prov. Antsiranana]: Antanandava& 4.V.2010 & fr. & BirkinshaƜ 1764 (MO& TAN). Reg. SAVA [Prov. Antsiranana]: Sahafary& 3.XII.2019 & fr. & Andriamiarisoa 2436 (DBEV& MO& P& TAN); Makirfvana& 14.III.2013 & fl. & fr. & Martial 71 (G& K& MO& P& TAN); Tsihfmanafmby& 20.XI.2013 & fr.& Martial 292 (MO& P& TAN); ibid.& 21.I.2014 & bud& fl.& Martial 388 (MO& P& TAN); Makirfvana& 3.X.2019 & fr.& Martial 784 (MO& P& TAN); District SAMBAVA& ffrêt de?arahanitra& 20.X.2019 & fr.& Martial 823ư 824 (MO& P& TAN); Makirfvana& 22.V.2009 & ster.& Raharimampionona 231 (P& TAN); ibid.& 23.V.2009 & fr. & Raharimampionona 274 (P& TAN); ibid.& ster.& Raharimampionona 276 (P& TAN); Tsihfmanafmby& 13.IV.2021 & fr.& Rakotonirina 690 (MO& P& TAN); Andratamarina& 19.X.2010 & ster.& Raυelonariυo 3519 (MO& P& TAN); ffret d’Anketrabe Kalivery& 15.XI.2021 & ster.& Raυelonariυo 5038 (MO& P& TAN); ibid.& Raυelonariυo 5048 (MO& P& TAN); Makirfvana& 6.V.2010 & fl.& Razakamalala 5493 (MO& TAN); cflline de Mfratsiazf& 5.IV.1967 & ster.& Serυice Ħorestier 27681 (TE?).