Henriettea membranifolia is a species of flowering plant in the family Melastomataceae. It is a member of the genus Henriettea, which comprises shrubs and small trees native to the Caribbean and northern South America.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature The species was originally described as Miconia membranifolia by Alfred Cogniaux in 1891. It was later transferred to the genus Henriettea by Alain Henri Liogier in 1972. The specific epithet membranifolia is derived from Latin, meaning "membranous-leaved," referring to the texture of the foliage.
Description Henriettea membranifolia is a shrub or small tree. It is characterized by its membranous (thin, translucent-textured) leaves, which are typically opposite, elliptic to ovate in shape, and possess prominent basal veins (acrodromous or plinerved venation typical of the family). The inflorescences are typically paniculate or cymose, bearing white or pinkish flowers. The fruit is a berry, typical of the genus.
Distribution and Habitat This species is endemic to Cuba. It is restricted to the eastern part of the island, specifically occurring in the serpentine soils of the Sierra de Nipe and Sierra de Moa mountain ranges. It grows in montane rainforests, cloud forests, and shrublands (charrascales) associated with ultramafic (serpentine) substrates, often at elevations between 500 and 1,000 meters.
Conservation Status Due to its highly restricted range (Extent of Occurrence and Area of Occupancy are very small) and specific habitat requirements on serpentine outcrops, Henriettea membranifolia is considered threatened. The primary threats include habitat degradation and destruction caused by nickel and cobalt mining operations prevalent in the Moa and Nipe regions, as well as potential impacts from climate change altering cloud forest dynamics. It has been assessed as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List (or equivalent national assessments in the Red List of the Cuban Flora).
