Glionnetia  (Glionnetia sericea)

Numerous clusters of cream, pink, or maroon flowers against a background of dark evergreen leaves makes this 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, a tree which requires moist, humid conditions, grows in exposed habitats at altitudes above 600 metres (2).

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

Populations of Glionnetia sericea are said to be healthy and stable, yet the IUCN have classified this tree as Vulnerable to extinction, due to its very restricted distribution (1), which makes it particularly susceptible to any threats that may arise.

No conservation measures are currently known to be in place for this species.

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

• Nature Protection Trust of the Seychelles:
  http://members.aol.com/jstgerlach
• Nature Seychelles:
  http://www.natureseychelles.org

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
arkive@wildscreen.org.uk