Glionnetia  (Glionnetia sericea)

Glionnetia sericea is classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List (1).

Numerous clusters of cream, pink, or maroon flowers against a background of dark evergreen leaves makes Glionnetia sericea one of the most attractive trees of the Seychelles (2). The leathery, oval-shaped leaves, which grow up to 20 centimetres long, have red stalks and edges (3). The flowers of Glionnetia sericea are tubular and sweetly scented (3), and grow in clusters that are creamy pink at first, becoming deeper pink and maroon as they age (2). The spherical fruit, measuring six millimetres long (3), splits vertically when mature to release seeds (2).

Occurs in the Seychelles, on the islands of Mahé and Silhouette (3).

Glionnetia sericea requires moist, humid conditions and grows in exposed habitats at altitudes above 600 metres (2).

There is no information available on the biology of Glionnetia sericea.

Invasion of alien species such as Psidium cattleianum and Cinnamomum verum is the main threat to this species, causing competition for resources and habitat degradation. Other threats to Glionnetia sericea include wildfires and poor regeneration, with no observable reproduction in certain areas, while its restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to extinction. Glionnetia sericea is particularly threatened on the island of Mahé, where its population is on the verge of extinction (1).

Glionnetia sericea is found in the Morne Seychellois National Park, a protected area. This species should be given high priority for conservation as it is endemic to the Seychelles and is a unique species, being the only member of its genus (1).

For further information on biodiversity and conservation in the Seychelles see:

• Nature Protection Trust of the Seychelles:
  http://islandbiodiversity.com
• Nature Seychelles:
  http://www.natureseychelles.org