Platymiscium calyptratum M.Sousa & Klitg.

Klitgaard, B. (2005). Platymiscium (Leguminosae: Dalbergieae): Biogeography Systematics, Morphology, Taxonomy and Uses. Kew Bulletin, 60(3), 321-400. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/4111062

Type

Mexico. Hidalgo: 7 km NE of Tianguistengo (Barranca de Chinameca), 1600 m, 5 March 1982, Tenorio L. & Hernandez M. 126 (holotypus MEXU (photo. BM); isotypus MEXU).

Morphology General Habit

Tree 5 - 6 m x 10 cm in diameter; internodes of juvenile branchlets solid

Morphology Leaves

Leaves opposite, rarely verticillate, 5 - 7-foliolate; vegetative parts glabrous; leaf axis 12 - 20 cm long, petiole as long as rachis; stipules broadly ovate, 8 x 8 mm; stipels sometimes present appearing as glandular hairs; leaflets broadly elliptic to elliptic, distal leaflet larger than others, 6 - 12 x 2.5 - 5 cm, base rounded or obtuse, apex acuminate, veinlets in areoles not observed, primary vein flush on upper surface, lamina mid green, upper surface slightly glossy, lower dull

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

Inflorescences of compact, erect, pyramidal, simple axillary 40 - 60- flowered racemes, with 1 inflorescence per leaf axil; inflorescence axis thick, robust, smooth, glabrous, 9 - 12 cm long including a 2 - 4 cm long peduncle; bracts narrowly oblong with an acuminate apex, 8 x 2 mm, caducous, ciliate along margins; bracteoles fused into a 2-lobed hooded structure adaxial on the pedicel, 5 - 6 x 5 - 6 mm, ciliate on outer surface

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers

Flowers 9 - 10 mm long, slender, pedicellate; pedicels 1 - 4 mm long, slender, articulated from calyx base, persistent after flower fall; calyx cup-shaped, 5 - 6 mm long, drying deep bordeaux-red, ciliate along teeth margins, base acuminate, abaxial three teeth triangular, obtuse, adaxial two fused for 4/5 their length, with rounded apices; corolla yellow; standard orbicular, 6 - 8 x 7 - 9 mm, shortly clawed, with a central reddish-brown nectar guide; wing petals 8 x 3 mm; keel petals 7 x 2 mm, adnate for a short distance along lower margins; stamen filaments fused progressively higher abaxially to 1/2 their length, vexillary stamen only fused at base; anthers dimorphic; ovary long-stipitate, glabrous

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Samara narrowly elliptic to elliptic, 5 - 6 x 2 - 2.5 cm, base and apex acuminate, glabrous; stipe to 6 mm long.

Distribution

Very rare: Platymiscium calyptratum is only known from the type locality, on the eastern slopes of the Sierra Madre Oriental.

Ecology

Along river banks; in disturbed humid montane forest. Associated with Bursera sp., Lippia sp., Compositae, Psidium guajava, Bauhinia sp., Dalbergia sp., Juglans sp., Nopalea sp. and Platanus sp. at 1069 m.

Phenology

Flowers occur in March when trees have juvenile leaves. Fruiting trees carry mature leaves. Fruiting was recorded in July when trees carry mature leaves.

Conservation

CR A2cd - critically endangered because of a population size reduction of 80% over the last 10 years due to a decline in area of occupancy, extent of occurrence and/or quality of habitat, and due to actual and potential levels of exploitation.

Note

Platymiscium calyptratum is characterised by the combination of an oblong bract, fused hood-like bracteoles, and long, narrow wing petals. The fused hood-like bracteoles are unique in the genus. The bark is grey and similar to Fraxinus.