Distribution: Madagascar, The Comoros, The Seychelles, Africa
Bioclimate: Dry, Subarid
Vegetation Formation: Thicket, Forest, Inselberg/Rock Face
Elevation (m): 0-499
Province: Antsiranana, Mahajanga, Toliara
Protected Areas 
: Ankarana
Important sites outside protected areas: La Table/St Augustin, Orangea/Rigny
Note: Originally described as endemic to Madagascar and Mayotte, this taxon falls into a complex group of species that occurs in other Indian Ocean islands and mainland Africa. Existing treatments for Africa (e.g. FTEA) have bundled these together under M. triphylla, submerging a large number of taxa as synonyms, but recognising a number of varieties. A revision of this group throughout its range is called for. The Malagasy material closely resembles specimens from coastal E. Africa, the Comoros (Mayotte) and the Seychelles (Aldabra), and I believe these will prove to form a coherent and discreet species that is distinct from M. triphylla. The correct name for this species remains to be ascertained, so for the present the name by which the plant has been known in Madagascar will be retained.
Type(s) of accepted name: BOIVIN 2558 (HT: P; IT: P)
Type(s) of syns and other voucher(s): PHILLIPSON 3059 (MO, P)
Updated on: 08 Oct. 2007
