Gonocalyx Concolor

Gonocalyx concolor has been found only in the elfin forest in Cerro La Santa and in the ausubo (Manilkara bidentata) forest types around Charco Azul, both located in the Carite Commonwealth Forest. The elfin and ausubo forests fall within the subtropical lower montane very wet forest life zone; thus, both forest types have similar climate conditions.

This elfin forest, also referred to as dwarf or cloud forest, is found on exposed peaks and ridges, above 2,900 feet (880 meters) in elevation, occupying approximately 24.9 acres (10.1 hectares) of the total area of Carite Commonwealth Forest. This forest type is characterized by gnarled trees less than 22 feet (7 meters) tall. This forest is frequently covered in clouds, thus, the vegetation is commonly saturated with moisture. The plant association in this area is generally comprised of a few species of native trees, native ferns and a dense coverage of epiphytes, including bromeliads and mosses. Here, Gonocalyx concolor has been found growing over the Caimitillo tree (Chrysophyllum oliviforme), the invasive plant lengua de vaca (Aegiphila martinicensis) and over dead trees, but not on the forest floor.

The ausubo forest is only found along the Río Grande de Patillas River Basin and along intermittent streams in the area between 2,034 feet (620 meters) and 2,329.4 feet (720 meters) of elevation. This forest type is represented by the ausubo tree (Manilkara bidentata) and occupies approximately 179.2 acres (72.5 hectares) of the Carite Commonwealth Forest. Additionally, it is characterized by evergreen vegetation, high species richness, rapid growth rate of successional trees, epiphytic ferns, bromeliads and orchids.

Although the specific habitat requirement of G. concolor has not been studied, it seems that these forest types provide the suitable habitat conditions, including substrate, moisture and temperature, for the species persistence. G. concolor is found growing on the canopy of the tallest tree areas, on tree trunks, or epiphytic, clambering - meaning that the plant uses other vegetation as support. This species is also found lying on the litter in the forest floor.

Gonocalyx concolor is a small evergreen shrub, which may reach 15 feet (4.7 meters) in length. The leaves are simple, alternate, entire and coriaceous, or leathery. The leaf blade is ovate, broadly elliptic or nearly orbicular. The leaf base is apiculate, meaning that it ends in a short sharp point, and obtuse to acute at the apex. It is rounded at the base and the leaf’s upper surface is glabrous, meaning smooth or hairless, above, with scattered large trichomes, which are papilliform hairs, beneath. Young leaves and branches are brilliantly rose-colored, but become green with age. The stems are highly branched, slender, cylindrical and dark brown in color. The flowers are bright red that are borne solitary on short shoots, are semipendent, meaning hanging or suspended. The flower has five merous, or floral part in multiples of five in each whorl, regular, and uniformly vivid red. The corolla consists of the separate or fused petals and constitutes the inner whorl of the perianth, the tube is carnose, or of a fleshy consistence, and campanulate, meaning that it is shaped like a bell. Fruits of G. concolor are bright red berries with many seeds inside.

Gonocalyx concolor has been observed flowering and fruiting all year around, but with more abundant flowering during the months of June, July and August. To date, no seedlings have been documented in the wild. The low number of individuals per population may suggest that G. concolor has highly specialized ecological requirements for growing and that production of viable seeds rarely occurs. Currently, no information about reproductive capacity, dispersion or habitat requirements is available for G. concolor. Hummingbird has been identified as possible pollinator of the flowers of G. concolor.

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Although Gonocalyx concolor is similar to G. portoricensis, differences in flower morphology indicate that they are well-differentiated species. The flower of G. portoricensis is pendent with light green calyx and the corolla tube is whitish to pinkish; it is an insect-pollinated flower.