Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Clade: Magnoliids
- Order: Magnoliales
- Family: Annonaceae
- Genus: Pseuduvaria
- Species: Pseuduvaria grandifolia (Merr.) Y.C.F. Su & R.M.K. Saunders
Synonyms
- Miliusa grandifolia Merr.
Description
Pseuduvaria grandifolia is a tree species in the custard‑apple family (Annonaceae). The epithet “grandifolia” denotes its characteristically large leaves, which are simple, elliptic to ovate, and considerably larger than those of many congeners. Leaves are chartaceous to coriaceous, with an entire margin and a prominent midrib. The inflorescences are axillary, bearing small, bisexual flowers typical of the genus, with three sepals and six petals arranged in two whorls. The fruit is a fleshy, ellipsoid berry containing several seeds. Detailed morphological measurements vary among specimens and are documented in the original species description and subsequent taxonomic revisions.
Distribution and habitat
The species is known from lowland and hill forests of the Philippines, particularly on the island of Mindanao, and from parts of Borneo (including Sabah and Sarawak). It occurs at elevations ranging from sea level up to approximately 800 m. P. grandifolia is typically found in primary rainforest on well‑drained soils, occasionally extending into secondary forest habitats.
Ecology
As with other Annonaceae, the flowers are likely pollinated by insects such as beetles or flies, though specific pollination studies for this species have not been published. The fleshy fruits are presumed to be dispersed by frugivorous birds or mammals, facilitating seed spread within its forest environment.
Conservation status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has not assessed Pseuduvaria grandifolia as of the latest Red List update. Habitat loss due to deforestation and land‑use change in its range may pose threats, but the species’ exact population trends and resilience are insufficiently documented.
Uses
No widely documented ethnobotanical or commercial uses have been reported for P. grandifolia.
References
- Su, Y. C. F., & Saunders, R. M. K. (2006). Monograph of Pseuduvaria (Annonaceae). Blumea 51(1), 1–74.
- Merrill, E. D. (1926). New species of Miliusa. The Philippine Journal of Science 31, 1–14.
- The Plant List (2023). Pseuduvaria grandifolia (Merr.) Y.C.F.Su & R.M.K.Saunders. Accessed 2026.
Note: Information presented reflects data available from peer‑reviewed taxonomic literature and reputable plant databases. Where specific details are lacking, the entry acknowledges the current limits of documented knowledge.