Protomegabaria stapfiana is a species of plant in the family Phyllanthaceae. It is native to western tropical Africa.
Distribution and Habitat
P. stapfiana occurs in the following countries:
- Angola
- Cameroon
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Republic of the Congo
- Ivory Coast
- Equatorial Guinea
- Gabon
- Ghana
- Liberia
- Nigeria
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Sierra Leone
It thrives in:
- Primary and secondary forests
- Well-drained forests
- Freshwater swamp forests
It is typically found at altitudes of up to 500 m (1,600 ft).
Description
- Growth form: Shrub to medium-sized tree
- Height: 15–18 m (49–59 ft)
- Trunk diameter: Up to 22 cm (8.7 in), occasionally with buttresses
- Bark: Brown, with possible reddish or greenish hues
Branches and Leaves
- Branches: Glabrous
- Branchlets: Usually covered in fine hairs
- Leaves:
- Shape: Oblong to elliptic
- Size: 16–28 cm (6.3–11.0 in) long × 5–10 cm (2.0–3.9 in) wide
- Surface:
- Upper side: Glabrous
- Underside: Initially pubescent, becoming glabrous with age
Inflorescences
- Male inflorescence: Up to 20 cm (7.9 in) long
- Female inflorescence: About 4 cm (1.6 in) long, may reach 15 cm (5.9 in) when fruiting