Bersama abyssinica is a species of medium-sized evergreen tree in the family Francoaceae. The leaves are pinnately divided with a strongly winged rachis (hence the common name winged bersama).[2] The inflorescence is a spike.

Winged bersama
Bersama abyssinica
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Geraniales
Family: Francoaceae
Genus: Bersama
Species:
B. abyssinica
Binomial name
Bersama abyssinica
  Countries of occurrence
Synonyms
  • Bersama schreberifolia
  • Bersama schweinfurthii
  • Bersama serrata
  • Bersama volkensii

This species is distributed across sub-Saharan Africa and includes two subspecies:[3]

  • B. abyssinica Fresen. subsp. abyssinica Fresen.
  • B. abyssinica Fresen. subsp. rosea (Hoyle) Mikkelsen[4]

The subspecies rosea is endemic to Tanzania, where it is considered vulnerable.[5]

Bersama abyssinica produces a hard, heavy wood that is used in the construction of houses in West Africa.[6]

References

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  1. ^ IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group.; Botanic Gardens Conservation International; et al. (BGCI) (2020). "Bersama abyssinica". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T146298209A153945468. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T146298209A153945468.en. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  2. ^ "Bersama abyssinica Fresen". Flora of Zimbabwe. Retrieved 2007-12-03.
  3. ^ "Bersama abyssinica Fresen. subsp. abyssinica Fresen. [family MELIANTHACEAE]". Aluka. Retrieved 2007-12-03.[dead link]
  4. ^ Mikkelsen, K. S.; O. Seberg (2001). "Morphometric analysis of the Bersama abyssinica Fresen. complex (Melianthaceae) in East Africa". Plant Systematics and Evolution. 227 (3–4): 157–182. doi:10.1007/s006060170046. S2CID 28513818.
  5. ^ Gereau, R.E.; Kabuye, C.; Kalema, J.; Kamau, P.; Kindeketa, W.; Luke, W.R.Q.; Lyaruu, H.V.M.; Malombe, I.; Mboya, E.I.; Mollel, N.; Njau, E.-F.; Schatz, G.E.; Sitoni, D.; Ssegawa, P.; Wabuyele, E. (2020). "Bersama rosea". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T34225A2851781. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T34225A2851781.en. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  6. ^ Heywood, V. H. (ed.) (1993). Flowering Plants of the World (2nd ed.). New York: Oxford University Press. pp. 191–192. {{cite book}}: |author= has generic name (help)
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