Ilex sapiiformis
| Ilex sapiiformis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Aquifoliales |
| Family: | Aquifoliaceae |
| Genus: | Ilex |
| Species: | I. sapiiformis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Ilex sapiiformis | |
Ilex sapiiformis, also known as the Pernambuco holly, is a critically endangered tree in the family Aquifoliaceae endemic to the state of Pernambuco in Brazil.[1]
Description
[edit]The tree can grow up to 12 metres (39 ft) tall and is diecious. The flowers are small and white.[2]
Distribution and habitat
[edit]The species has been known only from a small patch of forest next to a sugarcane plantation in the Igarassu municipality of Pernambuco, close to the Greater Recife metropolitan area.[2]
Conservation
[edit]After the type specimen was described in 1836, no other individuals were found and the species was considered possibly extinct for nearly 200 years until 4 plants (2 males and 2 females) were found in March 2023. Since then, one of the trees has died, leaving only 3 known individuals, rendering the plant narrowly close to extinction unless captive propagation or habitat preservation is done.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Fernandez, E.; Arguello, L.; Martinelli, G.; Gomes, M. (2020). "Ilex sapiiformis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T150999089A180251868. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T150999089A180251868.pt.
- ^ a b c "'Lost' Brazilian holly tree species found again after nearly 200 years". Mongabay Environmental News. 2023-09-21. Retrieved 2023-09-28.
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