- Source: Pseudohydrosme ebo
Pseudohydrosme ebo, commonly known as the Ebo false hydrosme, is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae. It was described by Xander Van der Burgt in 2015 but was not officially classified as a true species in the genus Pseudohydrosme until 2018.
Description
Pseudohydrosme ebo on average reaches about 30 cm (11.81 inches) tall. Spathe is 5 cm (1.96 inches) long, a dull white color, with brown stripes on the outer portion, and a light red-brown color with pale green veins on the inner portion. Leaves are 10 cm (3.93 inches) long, thick, oval shaped, and glossy.
Distribution and habitat
Pseudohydrosme ebo is endemic to the Ebo Forest, Cameroon, at elevations of 300-400 m, where its range stretches only 1.3 km (0.80 miles) within a small valley. It is quite rare, with only 50-100 mature individuals recorded in the past years, but approximately 1,000 specimens have been recorded and collected previously.
Conservation
Pseudohydrosme ebo is currently listed as "Critically Endangered" by the IUCN Red List, for excessive logging, slash-and-burn, and poaching are greatly affecting the species population.
Poaching
Pseudohydrosme ebo is at a serious threat of poaching in its native habitat, with locals and wealthy collectors wanting to make a profit in the illegal plant trade and other major plant markets.
