Rhodolaena bakeriana
# Rhodolaena bakeriana

Rhodolaena bakeriana is a tree in the family Sarcolaenaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar.

## Description

Rhodolaena bakeriana grows as a medium-sized tree. Its twigs are hairy. It has small to medium leaves, obovate, elliptic or oblong in shape. The inflorescences have one or two flowers on a long stem. Individual flowers are very large with five sepals and five purple-red petals, measuring up 5 centimetres (2 in) long. The fruits are medium-sized and woody. The fruits may be dispersed by lemurs.

## Taxonomy

The Latin specific epithet Bakeriana is in honor of the English botanist John Gilbert Baker.

## Distribution and habitat

Rhodolaena bakeriana is only found in the central to north central regions of Analamanga, Sava, Haute Matsiatra and Alaotra-Mangoro. Its habitat is humid to subhumid evergreen forests from 600–1,600 metres (2,000–5,200 ft) altitude.

## Threats

Rhodolaena bakeriana is threatened by timber exploitation. Its habitat is also at risk from clearing for agriculture.

