Nuxia sphaerocephala is a species of flowering plant in the family Stilbaceae. It is a shrub or tree endemic to Madagascar. The species was described in 1885, and is listed as of Least Concern by the IUCN. The wood is used for construction.
Taxonomy The species was first described by John Gilbert Baker in 1885. Baker initially placed it in the genus Buddleja. In 1887, Baker transferred the species to Nuxia.
Distribution Nuxia sphaerocephala is endemic to the seasonally dry tropical biome of Madagascar. It is present in north, east-central, and eastern Madagascar, and distributed across the provinces of Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Fianarantsoa, and Toamasina. Its estimated extent of occurrence is .
Nuxia sphaerocephala is present at elevations of . It grows in dry, humid, and subhumid forests.
Description Nuxia sphaerocephala is a shrub or tree. It grows high. The corolla falls off by dehiscence.
Conservation In 2018, the IUCN assessed Nuxia sphaerocephala as of Least Concern. The species is threatened by deforestation, mining, and agriculture. It is present in the protected areas of Ambohitantely Special Reserve, Analamazaotra National Park, Manongarivo Special Reserve, and Tsaratanana Reserve.
Uses The wood is used for construction and firewood. The leaves are used as an aphrodisiac.
Nomenclature In the Malagasy language, Nuxia sphaerocephala is known as .
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