Megaphrynium macrostachyum
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| Megaphrynium macrostachyum | |
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Zingiberales |
| Family: | Marantaceae |
| Genus: | Megaphrynium |
| Species: | M. macrostachyum |
| Binomial name | |
| Megaphrynium macrostachyum (K.Schum.) Milne-Redh | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
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Megaphrynium macrostachyum is a species of large plant in the Marantaceae family native to tropical Africa.[1] It grows in moist places and regenerates rapidly after ground disturbance or fire. The long stems have various uses in making cord, baskets and mats, and the large leaves are used for wrapping food, for making utensils and containers, and in herbal medicine.
Megaphrynium macrostachyum is a rhizomatous perennial plant up to 4 m (13 ft) tall. Each stem bears a single leaf and an inflorescence, the remaining leaves arising directly from the rhizome which can be 6 m (20 ft) long. These leaves are borne on petioles up to 5 m (16 ft) long which sheath the stem at its base and have calloused portions just below the blade. Each leaf blade is ovate/elliptical, up to 60 cm × 30 cm (24 in × 12 in), with a rounded base and acute apex. The inflorescence forms a spike just below the calloused portion of the petiole, with branches formed of zig-zag nodes. The small flowers are bisexual and subtended by bracts and are white to bluish-purple. They are followed by three-lobed, globular fruits which turn bright red and split open when ripe. The three seeds embedded in white pulp are purplish-black.[2]
Distribution
Megaphrynium macrostachyum is native to tropical, sub-Saharan Africa, its range extending from Liberia to South Sudan and Uganda, and southward to Gabon, the Republic of Congo, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, at altitudes of up to 1,500 m (5,000 ft).[2]
Ecology
Megaphrynium macrostachyum is a large, fast-growing plant. It occurs in wet habitats in both primary and secondary forests, in clearings, in logged areas and on fallow land. It regenerates from the rhizome after wildfires and other disturbances and may form dense, monospecific patches which may reduce the regeneration of trees. The flowers are attractive to bees and the rhizomes are eaten by gorillas, chimpanzees and bonobos.