Ravenea moorei
Species of palm
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ravenea moorei is a species of palm tree. It is endemic to the Comoros. This species is critically endangered, with only two mature specimens last noted in 1993.[1] In 2023, a small population was found by researchers from Kew Gardens.[2]
| Ravenea moorei | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Arecales |
| Family: | Arecaceae |
| Genus: | Ravenea |
| Species: | R. moorei |
| Binomial name | |
| Ravenea moorei J.Dransf. & N.W.Uhl | |
Etymology
Ravenea moorei was named by John Dransfield and Natalie Uhl in honor of noted palm botanist Harold E. Moore.[3]
Description
Ravenea moorei grows as a tree between 15 and 20 m tall. The trunk is grey or brown, with a diameter between 11 and 35 cm across. Individuals have between 11 and 19 green leaves in its crown, each measuring between 2 and 3 m long and 70 cm across, with between 60 and 80 smaller leaflets growing from the rachis. The inflorescence resembles a brush and emerges from between the leaves. The species is dioecious.[2]
The fruits are yellow-orange, fleshy, 16 mm in diameter and contain a spherical dark brown seed.
Range and habitat
The only recorded specimens of Ravenea moorei in the wild have been found on Grande Comore, in rainforest between 700 and 1000m. Recent sightings have been on Mount Karthala.[4]
