Rauvolfia nukuhivensis

Rauvolfia nukuhivensis (Fosberg & Sachet) Lorence & Butaud

Rauvolfia nukuhivensis is a tree species in the Apocynaceae family, endemic to Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia. It grows up to 15 m tall with a trunk diameter of 40-50 cm. The bark is furrowed and pale orange to beige, with branchlets varying in diameter and color depending on whether they are leafy or leafless. Leaves are ternate, narrowly ovate to elliptic, with distinct venation and glabrous surfaces. Inflorescences are terminal, with cream-colored corollas and specific floral structures. The fruit is subglobose. The species is used in traditional medicine, contributing to its decline. Conservation efforts, including ex situ and in situ measures, have been implemented since 2006. The local name is tueiao.

Description

Rauvolfia nukuhivensis is a member of the Apocynaceae family and is native to Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas Islands. It is a tall tree, reaching 8-15 m in height, with a trunk up to 50 cm in diameter. The bark is furrowed and pale orange to beige, while leafy branchlets are 3-3.5 mm in diameter and glabrous. Leaves are ternate, with narrowly ovate to elliptic blades measuring 6-17.6 cm in length and 1.5-6.2 cm in width. The inflorescences are terminal, with cream-colored corollas and distinct floral characteristics. The species is used in traditional medicine, which has contributed to its decline. Conservation efforts, including seed collection, plantings, and in situ protection, have been initiated. The local name for this species is tueiao.