Malvaceae
Pterygota bequaertii
- Leaf base, lower surface.
- Midrib and venation, leaf lower surface.
- Slash.
- Tree base.
- Fallen leaves, upper and lower surface.
- Old fruit.
General Information
The most remarkable aspect of this species is the fruit, which are the shape of the head of a duck. They split open to release the winged seeds. The old empty fruit can often be found lying on the ground under the trees, which reach a diameter of about 80 cm. They often have tall buttresses when mature. The flowers are cream coloured with no petals and they often smell unpleasant. The leaves are five-nerved at their base. The tree appears to be rather rare over most of its range. There is another species in the genus in the forests of central Africa, Pterygota macrocarpa which has larger leaves and fruit. The genus, represented by different species, also occurs in Asia.
Ecology
Terra firma mixed species forest, more common in slightly disturbed areas.
Distribution
Distribution: Ivory Coast to DRC.