Acridocarpus  (Acridocarpus orientalis)

Acridocarpus orientalis has yet to be classified by the IUCN.

Acridocarpus orientalis is a small perennial shrub with highly branched, hairy stems and yellow flowers, which grow in clusters (2) (3). The five yellow petals of the flower have fringed edges and are not joined to each other (2) (3). The leaves of species in the Malpighiaceae family are usually evergreen (4), and have smooth edges, a pointed tip and grow at alternating points along the central stem (3).

The young leaves of Acridocarpus orientalis are covered in reddish-brown hair, which is lost as the plant grows, creating a smooth, leathery leaf with prominent veins (2) (3). The single seeds of Acridocarpus orientalis are contained within a winged fruit, with the seed found at the base of the slightly hairy wings (3).

For some species of the Malpighiaceae family, there are characteristic hairs on the stems which are easily detachable from the plant and can cause irritation to the skin (2) (4). 

The full range of Acridocarpus orientalis is unknown. It has been recorded from the foothills of the Jebel Hafit Mountain on the border between Oman and the United Arab Emirates (5) (6), as well as other mountains in the north and south of Oman (6) and in Somalia (3). 

Acridocarpus orientalis inhabits wadis and mountain foothills (3). In Somalia, it has been recorded at elevations between 100 and 700 metres (2). 

Plants within the Malpighiaceae family have bisexual flowers, containing both male and female reproductive organs (4). Flowering in Acridocarpus orientalis occurs twice a year, once from April to June and again between October and November (3). Little other information is available about the biology of Acridocarpus orientalis.

Jebel Hafit Mountain is a major tourist attraction within the range of Acridocarpus orientalis (5), and human activities may have a negative effect on the plant species occurring there (7). Acridocarpus orientalis is eaten by goats (7) and the caterpillar of the giant skipper butterfly (Coeliades anchises), which may be detrimental to the population size due to the limited range of this species (3).

The seeds of Acridocarpus orientalis are used by locals in pain relief medicine. The seeds are crushed into a powder and the oil produced is massaged onto the forehead or joint (3) (6). The seeds are also used as a source of yellow dye in Oman (5). The reddish hairs of the young leaves are also used as a tanning agent and to treat udder inflammation in cattle (3). 

There are not known to be any specific conservation measures currently in place for this species. However, an effort to protect the mountain habitat of Acridocarpus orientalis would be beneficial for the survival of this and other plant species in the long term (5). 

Find out more about Acridocarpus orientalis and other plants in the United Arab Emirates:

• Jongbloed, M. (2003) The Comprehensive Guide to the Wildflowers of the United Arab Emirates. Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency, Abu Dhabi.

Find out more about conservation in the United Arab Emirates:

• The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi:
  http://www.ead.ae/en/