Dalbergia andapensis (hazovola)
An endangered tree from northeast Madagascar, Dalbergia andapensis is threatened by local deforestation.
Species Information
- Scientific Name: Dalbergia andapensis Bosser & R. Rabev.
- Common name(s): hazovola, sovoka (Malagasy)
- Conservation Status: Endangered (EN) according to IUCN Red List criteria.
- Habitat: Humid, broadleaved evergreen forest.
- Key Uses: None known.
- Known hazards: Some species of Dalbergia can cause allergic reactions as a result of the presence of quinones (organic compounds) in the wood.
Taxonomy
- Class: Equisetopsida
- Subclass: Magnoliidae
- Superorder: Rosanae
- Order: Fabales
- Family: Leguminosae - Papilionoideae
- Genus: Dalbergia
About this species
Dalbergia andapensis belongs to the pea and bean family (Leguminosae). The specific epithet ‘andapensis’ refers to its occurrence in the region of Andapa, in northeast Madagascar. Little is known about this rare species of tree, which is closely related to the economically important rosewoods, such as Dalbergia nigra (Brazilian rosewood) and D. latifolia (Indian rosewood).
Geography & Distribution
Restricted to northeast Madagascar (Antsiranana province), Dalbergia andapensis is found in the area stretching from the region of Andapa to just south of Vohemar. It occurs at 400-500 metres above sea level.
Description
Herbarium type specimen of Dalbergia andapensis collected in Madagascar by H. Humbert and R. Capuron in 1948 (Image: RBG Kew)
Dalbergia andapensis is a small tree, growing up to 10 m tall. Its blackish-brown twigs are covered in fine hairs, which are later lost as the twigs age. Its leaves are 5-9 cm long and are composed of 7-13 alternately arranged leaflets. The leaflets are elliptic, or sometimes narrowly egg-shaped, and are 1.5-4.4 x 1-1.8 cm in size. The upper surface of the leaflets is hairless, or occasionally with some hairs along the midvein, and the lower surface is densely covered with fine hairs. The creamy white flowers are 5-6 mm long and are borne on a branched (paniculate) inflorescence. Flowering occurs in December. The calyx (consisting of a tube and five sepals) is yellowish except for the dark purple base. The standard (banner) petal is more or less violin-shaped and slightly notched at the tip. The leathery fruits are 4-10 cm long, elliptic to ovate, and 1- or 2-seeded. The blackish brown seeds measure 10-12 x 6-7 mm and are more or less kidney-shaped.
Threats & Conservation
The major threat to Dalbergia andapensis is the rapid deforestation of the humid forest in which it occurs. Forest clearance continues for cattle-grazing, slash-and-burn cultivation, charcoal production and logging for ebony and rosewood, and uncontrolled bush-fires are a common part of the process. Although D. andapensis is known to occur within one protected area (Marojejy National Park), illegal logging remains a high risk. Further research is needed to establish the extent of the remaining populations of this species, and to produce recommendations for its protection.
Conservation assessments carried out at Kew
Dalbergia andapensis is being monitored as part of the IUCN Sampled Red List Index for Plants, which aims to produce conservation assessments for a representative sample of the world’s plant species. This information will then be used to monitor trends in extinction risk and help focus conservation efforts where they are needed most.
Learn more about some of the plants that were assessed as part of this project.
Uses
Although not used itself, other species of Dalbergia, many known as rosewoods, are important timber trees and are valued for their hard, rich burgundy-coloured, scented wood. Rosewood, in the generic sense, is used for the production of fine furniture and musical instruments.
Where to see this species at Kew
Pressed, dried specimens of Dalbergia andapensis are held in the Herbarium at Kew, where they are made available to bona fide researchers by appointment. The details of one of these specimens can be seen on-line in the Herbarium Catalogue.
References and credits
Contu, S. (2010). Dalbergia andapensis. Assessment using IUCN Categories and Criteria 3.1 (IUCN 2001). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Du Puy, D. (1998). Dalbergia andapensis. In: IUCN 2010. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2010.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 17 August 2010.
Du Puy, D.J. et al. (2002). The Leguminosae of Madagascar. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Randriamalala, H. & Liu, Z. (2010). Rosewood of Madagascar: between democracy and conservation. Madagascar Cons. Dev. 1: 11-22.
Kew Science Editor: Gwilym Lewis
Copyediting: Emma Tredwell
While every effort has been taken to ensure that the information contained in these pages is reliable and complete, the notes on hazards, edibility and suchlike included here are recorded information and do not constitute recommendations. No responsibility will be taken for readers’ own actions. Full website terms and conditions.
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