Status:
valid
Authors:
(Drake) De Block
Source:
Catalogue of the Plants of Madagascar (Tropicos)
Year:
2018
Citation Micro:
PhytoKeys 99:17:00. 2018
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001315561
Description
Helictosperma malacophyllum (also called Malacophyllum Helictosperma, among many other common names) is a species of shrub native to Madagascar. It is a small shrub with dark, glossy leaves and small, white flowers. It is found in dry, deciduous forests and scrublands.
Uses & Benefits
Helictosperma malacophyllum is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a hedge plant. It is also used for its medicinal properties to treat fever, cough, and stomach ache.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Helictosperma malacophyllum is yellow and tubular with five petals. The seed is a small, black, oval-shaped capsule. The seedlings have long, narrow leaves with a pointed tip.
Cultivation and Propagation
Helictosperma malacophyllum is a species of wild banana native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. It can be propagated from seed or by suckering. It prefers a warm, humid climate and moist, well-drained soil. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade.
Where to Find Helictosperma malacophyllum
Helictosperma malacophyllum can be found in the tropical forests of Madagascar.
Species in the Helictosperma genus
Species in the Rubiaceae family
Acranthera abbreviata,
Acranthera anamallica,
Acranthera athroophlebia,
Acranthera atropella,
Acranthera aurantiaca,
Acranthera axilliflora,
Acranthera bullata,
Acranthera capitata,
Acranthera ceylanica,
Acranthera didymocarpa,
Acranthera endertii,
Acranthera frutescens,
Acranthera grandiflora,
Acranthera hallieri,
Acranthera hirtostipula,
Acranthera involucrata,
Acranthera johannis-winkleri,
Acranthera lanceolata,
Acranthera longipes,
Acranthera longipetiolata,
Acranthera maculata,
Acranthera megaphylla,
Acranthera monantha,
Acranthera nieuwenhuisii,
Acranthera ophiorhizoides,
Acranthera parviflora,
Acranthera philippensis,
Acranthera ruttenii,
Acranthera salmonea,
Acranthera siamensis,
Acranthera siliquosa,
Acranthera simalurensis,
Acranthera sinensis,
Acranthera strigosa,
Acranthera tomentosa,
Acranthera variegata,
Acranthera velutinervia,
Acranthera yatesii,
Acranthera philippinensis,
Acranthera burmanica,
Acranthera virescens,
Acranthera hoangii,
Acranthera collina,
Acrobotrys discolor,
Acrosynanthus jamaicensis,
Acrosynanthus latifolius,
Acrosynanthus minor,
Acrosynanthus ovatus,
Acrosynanthus parvifolius,
Acrosynanthus revolutus,
References
Petra De Block: Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'De Block' in the authors string.