Uvariopsis dicaprio
Uvariopsis dicaprio Cheek & Gosline
Uvariopsis dicaprio is a newly described tree species in the Annonaceae family, endemic to the Ebo Forest in Cameroon. Named after Leonardo DiCaprio, it was first published in 2022. The species is Critically Endangered, with a restricted distribution in lower submontane forest at 850 m elevation. It is a monoecious, cauliflorous tree with glabrous stems and leaves, and yellow-green petals. The species differs from related Uvariopsis species by the number of secondary veins and the structure of its inflorescences. Flowering occurs in late March and early April.
Description
Uvariopsis dicaprio is a small tree, 3–4 m tall, with a trunk diameter of 2–3 cm. It lacks stilt roots or buttresses and has glabrous, young and old leafless branches. Leaves are oblanceolate, 17–20 cm long, with 5–8 pairs of secondary veins. Male flowers are cauliflorous, with 6 perianth parts and 300 stamens. The species is distinguished from Uvariopsis solheidii by glabrous surfaces, fewer secondary veins, and yellow-green petals. It is found in the Ebo Forest, a region with an annual rainfall of 2,336 mm and a wet season from March to November. The tree is named after Leonardo DiCaprio, who campaigned to protect the Ebo Forest from logging in 2020.
Distribution
Cameroon