Glionnetia

There is no information available on the biology of Glionnetia sericea.

No conservation measures are currently known to be in place for this species.

Numerous clusters of cream, pink, or maroon flowers against a background of dark evergreen leaves makes this one of the most attractive trees of the Seychelles (2). The leathery, oval-shaped leaves, which grow up to 20 centimetres long, have red stalks and edges (3). The flowers of Glionnetia sericea are tubular and sweetly scented (3), and grow in clusters that are creamy pink at first, becoming deeper pink and maroon as they age (2). The spherical fruit, measuring six millimetres long (3), splits vertically when mature to release seeds (2).

Glionnetia sericea, a tree which requires moist, humid conditions, grows in exposed habitats at altitudes above 600 metres (2).

Occurs in the Seychelles, on the islands of Mahé and Silhouette (3).

Classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List (1).

Populations of Glionnetia sericea are said to be healthy and stable, yet the IUCN have classified this tree as Vulnerable to extinction, due to its very restricted distribution (1), which makes it particularly susceptible to any threats that may arise.

Glionnetia is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae. The genus contains only one species, viz. Glionnetia sericea, which is endemic to Mahé and Silhouette Island in the Seychelles. The species thrives mainly on high ridges in the mountains and it does not seem to grow well at lower altitudes. Glionnetia sericea is a small flower with paniculate terminal inflorescences and it has capsules that are dispersed by wind.