Marmulano (Sideroxylon marginata)

One of the few native trees of Cape Verde. It grows to 5-6 m and occasionally to 12 m. Branched from the base; leaves glossy, 12-15 cm long and 7 cm wide, elliptic, round or obovate, apex slightly pointed. Reddish or whitish flowers are solitary or in clusters. Fruits are fleshy, dark brown to black, up to 1.5 cm long. Currently a rare species, only found on remote or totally inaccessible areas, relegated to the islands of Santo Antão, São Vicente, São Nicolau, Santiago, Fogo and Brava. In the past it was reported for Boavista and fossil remains have been found on Sal. It must therefore have been present on all the islands. Distribution is from 150-1,400 m, the ideal altitude range being from 500-1,200 m, in semi-arid, subhumid and humid areas. Due to low numbers of locations and specimens, this relict species has been classified as Endangered; however, on islands like São Vicente it is considered Critically Endangered.