Reference(s):
Status: this genus has been assessed for the following:
- Species in Fl. Madag: 51 (49 endemic, 1 indigenous non-endemic, 1 naturalised)
- Accepted published species: 53 (47 endemic, 5 indigenous non-endemic, 1 naturalised)
- Estimated undescribed species: 12 endemic
Additional taxonomic work: in progress
Species level data entry: complete
Note: In addition to the published species, Hedge et al. (1998), discussed several probable new species or inadequately known species, work is currently underway to delimit and publish several new species. Also mentioned was the widely cultivated P. rotundifolius (Poir.) Spreng. since it was supposedly introduced into cultivation in Mauritius from Madagascar, however there are no specimens of this species known from Madagascar, and no suggestion that it is either indigenous or naturalized there. They also list 4 species that are known to be cultivated in Madagascar as ornamentals, including P. madagascariensis (Pers.) Benth. which is not known to occur naturally in Madagascar. Other species are likely to be found in gardens or homes.
Contributed/compiled by: P.B. Phillipson
Updated on: 01 Feb. 2008
