21. Thamnoldenlandia ambovombensis (EDGE species)

Belongs to the monotypic genus; Subfamily: Rubioideae; Tribe: Spermacoceae.

Much-branched shrub up to 1.5 m tall; stems woody. Leaves decussate, sessile, simple. Inflorescences terminal or pseudoaxillary on lateral branchlets, one- to two-flowered. Capsules broadly obovate to transversely broadly obovate. Seeds numerous, elliptic; wing present.Thamnoldenlandia differs from the genera of Spermacoceae in Madagascar by its medium-sized shrub with winged seeds.

Phylogenetically, this genus is related to Amphistemon (Groeninckx & al., 2010).

Flowering time: February-March

Population: 3 subpopulations

Lower elevation limit: 150 metres

Fruiting time: February-March

Trends:

Upper elevation limit: 190 metres

Distribution

T. ambovombensis is endemic to southern Madagascar, in Androy and AnosyRegions (Province of Toliara).

Number of locations: 3

EOO: 111 km²

AOO: 16 km²

Habitat and Ecology

Subarid spiny forest–thicket, on orange–brown sand, calcareous hills.

Threats

Agricultural practices, extension agriculture land (Agave sisalana), invasive species (Opuntia ficus-indica), logging for timber and charcoal production and burning to favour the growth of young grass for the grazing of cattle.

Conservation

This species is not found in any protected areas.

It is not reported in ex situ collections (BGCI 2022).

21. Thamnoldenlandia ambovombensis Groeninckx

GE Score

EDGE Score

ED Score