Afrothismia pachyantha
Afrothismia pachyantha Schltr.
Afrothismia pachyantha is a species of plant in the family Burmanniaceae, endemic to Cameroon. It is a holomycotrophic rhizomatous geophyte found in tropical moist lowland evergreen forests on Mount Cameroon and Mount Kupe at about 700 metres elevation. The species was first discovered in 1905 on Mount Cameroon, where it may be extinct, and rediscovered in 1995 on Mount Kupe, making it a Lazarus taxon. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Description
Afrothismia pachyantha is a member of the Burmanniaceae family and is found exclusively in Cameroon. This holomycotrophic rhizomatous geophyte inhabits tropical moist lowland evergreen forests on Mount Cameroon and Mount Kupe at an elevation of approximately 700 metres. Initially discovered in 1905 on Mount Cameroon, it was thought to be possibly extinct there until its rediscovery in 1995 on Mount Kupe. This rediscovery led to its classification as a Lazarus taxon. The species is currently under threat due to habitat loss.
Distribution
Global · Cameroon
Synonyms
Thismia pachyantha
