Ravenea musicalis

Description

Ravenea musicalis is a species of flowering plant in the Arecaceae family. It is critically endangered and found only in Madagascar. Approximately 450 mature trees remain in the wild. It is threatened by habitat loss as it grows in shallow, slowly flowing water. Such areas are prime targets for human development and agriculture. The range in which Ravenea musicalis grows is not within a protected area. The species is endemic to a single river in the Anosy Region of southeast Madagascar. Seedlings grow directly in slow flowing water, beginning their life as a submerged aquatic plant with flimsy foliage. As the stem grows, its leaves become rigid and erect as the growing tree emerges from the surface.