Welcome to the OYA Threatened Plants!

I’m Critically Endangered!

Newmania serpens is known only from a single province (Quang Ngai) in central Viet Nam. They are located in a forest whose patch is only 6.5 km² and the species only has a very limited range within the forest. The area where it lies is a single location and there are various threats impacting the whole area. The plant grows in moist and shady undergrowth of degraded dry forest dominated by dipterocarps. So far, newmania serpens has an extremely small area of occupancy and is now categorized as critically endangered under criterion B2 by the IUCN. Their habitat has been experiencing dreadful conditions due to agricultural expansion, planting of plantations and collection of resin. To prevent these threats, the site is placed under local protection as a historical forest. We can do more to safeguard this species. 

 Source: IUCN Red List 

I’m Critically Endangered! 

Polyscias racemosa is a tree that grows up to 7m tall, and is mostly found in Hawaiian mesic forest on steep cliffs or slopes at relatively low elevations. This species is confined to the island of Kauaʻi and is found between 142 and 450 m elevation.  According to the IUCN Red List, there are only 110 mature individuals remaining in the wild and the population is declining due to a variety of threats, especially due to the impacts of invasive species. This assessment may change in the future with more geospatial or observational data from monitoring. Major threats to this taxon include direct competition by invasive non-native plant species, predation and habitat degradation by non-native animals, particularly longhorn beetle, rats, pigs and goats. Ex¬ situ cultivation and propagule storage is ongoing at the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG).  Source: IUCN Red List 

I'm Endangered!

Caesalpinia echinata is the national tree of Brazil, where it is commonly known as pau brasil. This species is confined to the Atlantic Forest, an ecosystem recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot. It inhabits coastal regions with open forest and well-drained soils. The misuse of this species as a dyewood started on 1501 which caused to its dramatic population decline.  Synthetic dyes only became available in 1875 when natural stands were almost completely destroyed although some subpopulations remained in a few areas on the coastal plain.Currently the species is listed as one of the threatened plants and in order to conserve it, plant harvesting for commercial purposes are forbidden. We can do so much more to help.  

 Source: IUCN Red List  

I'm Vulnerable!

Origanum ehrenbergii is a perennial chamaephyte (subshrub) growing primarily on sandy soils in grassland and under pine forest on the western slopes of Mount Lebanon and South Lebanon Governorates in Lebanon. Past and ongoing decline in the number of mature individuals is inferred from the patchy distribution of suitable existing habitat in areas under intensive development, particularly near the coastline. Origanum ehrenbergii is used as a seasoning in traditional cuisine and in household remedies in Lebanon. These species are traditionally used to stimulate memory, as analgesics and sedatives, and as remedies for cold, flu and cough, respiratory problems, hypotension, and a wide range of stomach and intestinal problems.  Wild collection of this species for local use in food and medicine is a present but likely minor impact on accessible subpopulations.   

Source: IUCN Red List  

I'm Endangered!

Paphiopedilum parishii (also known as   

Parish's Paphiopedilum), is a perennial epiphytic or lithophytic herb which grows in tree trunks or on rocks in broad-leaved forests. It is rare and uncommon with few localities and fragmented subpopulations in China, Myanmar, Thailand and Lao PDR.  The abundance of the species has been significantly reduced during recent decades due to many threats, especially habitat destruction, logging, fires, deforestation, ruthless collection for horticultural purposes, regional and international trade, trampling, recreation, ecological disturbance, tourism and infrastructure development. The population has declined by 50-70% over the last three generations and it is projected to decline by 50-70% over the next three generations. Several measures for species conservation are taken place but this plant still needs our help.   Source: IUCN Red List  

I'm Endangered!

 Trematolobelia kauaiensis is endemic to the island of Kauai, Hawaii. Huge numbers of its population grow over the upper elevation of the wet forests of the island. They can also be found in moist places, shrublands on ridges, gulch slopes (narrow and steep-sided ravine), and plateau lands. These unbranched shrubs grow from 1.5 up to 3 meters tall. The leaves of this plant are 12-22 cm long and 1-3 cm wide. They live for a few years, and flower once for its lifetime and dies afterwards.  The major threat to this plant include direct competition by invasive non-native plant species and whose habitat is degraded by non-native animals, including rats and pigs.  

Just like any other plant, they deserve to be taken care. Help us spread awareness to save these plants. 

Source: IUCN Red List

I’m Critically Endangered!

Endemic to Western Sicily, Italy,  Calendula maritima thrives nowadays only in a  few coastal sites between the Stagnone di Marsala lagoon and Trapani  with less than 25 small, fragmented and often hybridized subpopulations.  The main threats are related to the conservation of its natural habitat  that is prone to ongoing destruction, degradation and fragmentation.  Conservation actions are needed so help raise the awareness to protect  this plant! Source: IUCN Red List. 

I’m Critically Endangered!

Aquilegia barbaricina grows between 1,300-1,400 m altitude and is found  only in Sardinia, Italy.  The area in which this species is found is  decreasing, and its extremely small population of less than than 50  mature individuals is also in decline. There is little doubt that the  species will become extinct in the near future if no conservation  measures are taken. Its rarity and the beauty of its flowers make A.  barbaricina attractive for collectors, who can easily access the site.  Help raise the awareness of the need to protect this flower! Source: IUCN Red List 

I’m Critically Endangered!

Centaurea akamantis is a subshrub or semi-woody herbaceous plant endemic  to Cyprus, where it is known from three separate gorges on the Akamas  Peninsula in the northwestern part of the island. Whilst the known  number of mature individuals has increased since a new subpopulation was  discovered (in 2012), the plants' habitat quality is inferred to be declining as a result of grazing and the resultant soil erosion, as well  as soil erosion resulting from the intrinsic geology of the gorges  where this plant is found.  Source: IUCN Red List. 

I'm Vulnerable! 

Petrocoptis grandiflora has a restricted distribution in the provinces of Ourense and León, Spain, in an area of 26 km².  This pioneer hermaphrodite herb grows on cracks and ledges of calcareousdolomitic walls. The habitat availability and human alteration are the main factors limiting its expansion. Human activities affects them, such as open cast mining, mountaineering and rock climbing, all of which have been described as threats to this species.

Source: IUCN Red List

I'm Endangered!

Euphorbia hedyotoides, a species of plant in the Euphorbiaceae family, is mostly found growing in south-west Madagascar. It has a lot of little branches and sparse, thin, wispy leaves in summer and can grow up to 7 feet.  It is drought resistant and some of its parts can be poisonous when ingested. Due to habitat degradation, fire, habitat clearing for charcoal, collection of mature specimens for the horticultural trade, the numbers of this plant continuously drops. . 

Source: IUCN Red List

I'm Critically Endangered!

Limonium calabrum is a plant endemic to Calabria, Southern Italy. It is usually found growing in cliffs between 1 and 15 m asl. The  species grows in four subpopulations near Catanzaro, Vibo Valentia and  Reggio Calabria. They are very far from each other and the species can  be considered severely fragmented. There is probably no genetic exchange between the extant  subpopulations. There are two major threats affecting this plant: the building of tourist facilities (e.g., roads, hotels, etc.) very close to the coastline, and trampling by collectors of buds and fruits of Capparis orientalis. 

Source: IUCN Red List

I'm Endangered!

I'm Vulnerable!

I'm Critically Endangered!

I'm Critically Endangered!

This is Pitcairnia Elliptica, a terrestrial bromeliad, endemic to Ecuador, and which was considered extinct. It was first discovered approximately a hundred years ago near the Rio Toachi, around the area of La Palma and Parambas, which are almost entirely deforested today. After 85 years of being known as non-existing, this plant was found in a forest near Maldonada in Carchi Province. It is now Critically Endangered. Unfortunately, deforestation and conversion into croplands threatens its existence once again. Fortunately, it is now being cultivated and flowered in Marie Selby Botanical Garden in the United States and currently not known to occur inside Ecuador’s protected areas network. Promote awareness for these plants to help them receive the care they need. 

Source: IUCN Red List

I'm Endangered!

Synsepalum sp. nov. is endemic to the southern footslopes of the Chimanimani mountains of Mozambique and Zimbabwe. This small understorey tree (or large shrub) is restricted to lowland evergreen and semi-deciduous forests and has been recorded at 330-560 m elevation. From Google Earth imagery and observations in the field, it is clear there has been extensive loss of forest in Zomba and over much of Maronga. By far the most significant factor is clearance for agriculture. This threat is ongoing and clearance for agriculture has accelerated in recent years. This species does not require complex management plans but does need protection of its habitat, including a halt to deforestation at Maronga and Thekeza. The invasiveness of Vernonanthura phosphorica is a major concern; further investigation is required into both the impact it is having on native vegetation and any possible methods for control.  Source: IUCN Red List

I'm Critically Endangered!

Labordia cyrtandrae grows up to 0.7-1.5m. This shrub has greenish yellow or pale yellow flowers. It only grows in the  Waianae Mountains and Koolau Mountains of Oahu, Hawaii, which are moist to wet forests. There are only 11 known individuals of this plant and are currently threatened by feral pigs and various alien plant species like Christmas berry, Koster's curse, prickly Florida blackberry, and strawberry guava. Fire, natural causes and human activities are also a huge impact to its declining population. Efforts were made to save this shrub but all were unsuccessful. Your help in promoting awareness will be a hope to save them from extinction.

Source:  IUCN Red List  

I'm Vulnerable!

Romulea Phoenicia is known to be growing from the eastern Mediterranean region in central Lebanon and northern Israel (Mt. Carmel and the Galilee).  According to studies, the extent of occurrence (EOO: 3,029 km2) and the area of occupancy (AOO: 100 km2) are both restricted; while both factors are stable in Israel, the AOO is declining in Lebanon as a result of habitat conversion. Habitat loss is not currently an issue in Israel. The problem arises currently in Lebanon. The habitat is lost and degraded as a result of urbanization which has a huge effect to the plant’s population. 

Source: IUCN Red List

I'm Endangered!

Bellevalia webbiana is endemic to Italy, and is found in northeastern Tuscany and southwestern Emilia-Romagna, Italy. The plant grows at the margins of Quercus woods and, above all, in fields and olive groves. This species' flowers bloom in March to April, occasionally in May, and fruits in summer. Despite the moderately good conservation status of the confirmed localities, there is an observable decrease in trend which shows Bellevalia webbiana’s generation length to be only about 40 years. This species is threatened by loss of habitat due to changes in land use.  

Source: IUCN Red List 

I'm Endangered!

Atriplex lanfrancoi is an evergreen, perennial, multi-branched woody shrub. It grows on the sheer seaside cliffs along the southern and southwestern coastal cliffs of mainland Malta and the western and northwestern cliffs of Gozo, including Fungus Rock. This species was previously assessed as Critically Endangered in 2006. As a result of conservation actions that were taken, it is now downlisted to endangered. According to current surveys, the species is having slow continuing decline in population size which may possibly be due to habitat loss caused primarily by cliff collapse. Hence, the most important action required is the monitoring of the area of occupancy to better understand its conservation status. 

 Source: IUCN Red List  

I'm Critically Endangered!

Melocactus braunii grows only in Nothern Bahia, Brazil.  What is unique about this plant is that it is collected and made into candies. Unfortunately, this species is rare, having all subpopulations less than 100 individuals each.  Because of mining around its habitat, cattle ranching and local collection for candy making, it is assessed as Critically Endangered.  The number continuously decreases year after year.  Without further actions or protected area where it can be kept and taken care of, this species will be listed as extinct. Help us spread awareness for these plants! 

Source: IUCN Red List

I'm Critically Endangered!

Odontites granatensis is assessed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN because of its high restricted population distribution. It is endemic to the northwestern part of Sierra Nevada in Spain.  Its presence was confirmed to only occur in a single location, having an area of occupancy lower than 1 km². In this location, three of its subpopulations were found, having most individuals living in them. As observed, the decline of its number were caused by the disturbance of its habitat due to livestock trampling and changes in land use. Fortunately, its number is starting to increase because of the fences built to protect its main population. Its presence in conservation areas and protected areas is a big help in saving them. This should be done to other endangered ones. We would be grateful if you help us promote awareness to save them. 

Source: IUCN Red List

I'm Critically Endangered!

IUCN classified Solanum lidii, also known as Pimentero de Temisas, as Critically Endangered due to its highly restricted and fragmented distribution, with an area of occupancy of 5 km². It has six subpopulations distributed in only in five locations in the Canary Islands, Spain. Total population has been estimated with 93 individuals: 32 in Temisas, 23 in Barranco de la Cruz-Lomo del Chorrillo, 7 in Fortaleza Grande, 17 in Risco del Sao and 14 individuals in Risco Gallegos-Amurga. Its presence is found between 350 to 725 above sea level in these places. These subpopulations are reported to be isolated and severely fragmented, which makes the recruitment rates very low. Urbanization and natural causes like animal predation and landslides are considered to be the major factors that threatened the species population count. Give your helping hand to these plants by promoting awareness about them. 

Source: IUCN Red List

I'm Critically Endangered!

Lamyropsis Microcephala, endemic to Sardinia, Italy, is a perennial herb that grows on eroded rock at 1,500-1700m altitude. This species has a highly complex branched rhizome system producing many stems, so it is very difficult to distinguish separate individuals. Therefore, the total number of their population is hard to be determined. The whole population approximately has 8-10 colonies, covering only 100m². It was already considered to be possibly extinct, but was rediscovered in the publication of the Italian Red List in 1992. This species only occurs at two locations in the Gennargentu mountains on the slopes of Mount Bruncu Spina, where its presence was found to be 3 km². Tourism and human recreational activities makes the quality of its habitat to decline, as well as natural occurrences like soil erosion and landslides. Wild pigs also contribute to this problem. With these factors, it is assessed as Critically Endangered by UICN. The population is on the brink of extinction if these threats persist and no action is taken. Let us make the survival of this species possible by promoting awareness about these endangered ones.

Source: IUCN Red List

I'm Endangered!

I'm Vulnerable!

Being treated as a subspecies of Alisma gramineum Lejeune, the distribution of Alisma wahlenbergii is not certain because of the confusion between the two. However, in accordance with the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, this plant should be treated as a distinct species. This species is originally found in Finland, Sweden and western Russia. There are 17 locations where the species can be found in Sweden, while there are 100 areas in Finland. Additionally, Russia has 12 localities where it is found, having less than 100 individuals each. It is suspected that the overall area of occupancy of this plant is less than 2,000km². Alisma wahlenbergii is a short living plant that is very sensitive to changes on its habitat which causes extreme fluctuations. The population continuously decreases. All the population of this species living on the side of Finnish Gulf have disappeared because of eutrophication and increase of reed beds. Construction of waterways also caused the further loss of their habitat. Promote awareness and help us save these vulnerable plants.

Source: IUCN Red List

I'm Endangered!

I'm Vulnerable!

I'm Critically Endangered!

I'm Vulnerable!

I'm Critically Endangered!

I'm Critically Endangered!

I'm Critically Endangered!

I'm Critically Endangered!

I'm Endangered!

I'm Endangered!

I'm Critically Endangered !

I'm Endangered!

Sorbus bosniaca is a shrub or small tree up to 5 m tall. It is found growing in mixed stands of Fagus sylvatica and Abies alba which are in different stages of degradation (coppices and scrublands). This shrub or small tree is common to Bosnia and Herzegovina, where it is recorded from a number of confirmed and unconfirmed localities. This species is endangered by forest succession and canopy closure. It is also threatened by the eating of seedlings by game and sheep. This species is not known to be present within in any protected areas.

Source: IUCN Red List  

I'm Endangered!

Anisotes spectabilis is a forest shrub that can be found living from the Nguru, Uluguru and Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania. The population data of this specimen is not available, although it is inferred that its population is continuously decreasing. The data has been collected on seven occasions, between the year 1933 and 2005. As of now, this forest shrub is severely threatened by habitat lost. The sub-montane forest loss in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania was also a huge factor for the danger of its existence. Most forest in the Uluguru Mountains below 2,000m asl is now badly threatened or may already be considered lost. As it is not effectively protected (even within the formally "protected areas"), the subpopulations in the Ulugurus will be severely threatened or already lost. The Nguru Mountain site is threatened by recent logging activity around the area. Only the subpopulations in the Udzungwa National Park, and the Kilombero Nature Reserve are considered to be secured. 

Source: IUCN Red List

I'm Endangered!

This plant is 4 to 6 feet tall, with large arrowhead-shaped leaves and spikes of large blue-purple flowers. Brillantaisia richardsiae is a scarce species known only from Mbizi Forest and Nsanga Forest near Sumbawanga town in southwest Tanzania. There are threats to Nsanga but they are still unknown. Only one of the two locations for this species is within the Lyango Hill Forest Reserve, but it is unclear as to whether this designation affords the forest any effective protection. 

Source: IUCN Red List

I'm Critically Endangered!

Caladenia anthracina, also known as the black-tipped spider orchid, is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous herb in the orchid family Orchidaceae, endemic to Tasmania, Australia. Following the rain, it appears above ground in May or June as a single hairy, dull green, lance-shaped leaf. A single flower is borne on a dense spike, with flowering occurring between late September and early November. The geographic distribution of the species is precarious for the survival of the species and is very restricted, and is known from four populations, though none comprises more than 30 individuals. Continuing decline in the area, extent and quality of habitat, the number of populations and the number of mature individuals is projected due to agricultural development, fire regimes, and the vulnerability of small populations to stochastic disturbance events. 

Source: www.environment.gov.au

I'm Critically Imperiled!

Melanthera fauriei (formerly Lipochaeta fauriei), known by the common name Olokele Canyon nehe, is a sprawling perennial herb, endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, found between 400 and 1,150 m elevation on the island of Kauaʻi. It is a rare species of flowering plant in the aster family. There are only ten populations remaining, with a total global population of no more than 240 plants. The main threat to the species is its direct competition by invasive non-native plants, and the loss and degradation of its habitat caused by deer, goats, rats, wild boars, fires, landslides.

Source: IUCN Red List

I'm Endangered!

Plants are a silent but vital part of life on Earth. An Angraecum doratophyllum is endemic to São Tomé and Príncipe (Gulf of Guinea). The main threats to this species are deforestation resulting from shifting agriculture and from a strong demand for timber used in the construction of houses, including from species on which it grows as an epiphyte. Despite the fact that Angraecum doratophyllum is currently threatened, the species is easily being grown in botanical gardens in shade houses in Central Africa by some hobbyists.  

Source:  IUCN Red List

I'm Critically Endangered!

Ornithoboea emarginata is found only in Viet Nam, and occupies as area estimated to be 2 km² on the hills of Nui Bai Voi and surrounding area. The main threat to this plant flows from limestone quarrying and habitat degradation, for example small scale agriculture and invasive alien species. Given the continuing decline in the extent of occurrence, area of occupancy, number of mature individuals and quality and extent of the habitat, this plant is Critically Endangered. If the hill is quarried, the species will face extinction in a very short period of time.

Source:  IUCN Red List

I'm Critically Endangered!

I'm Endangered!

I'm Endangered!

I'm Critically Endangered!

I’m Critically Endangered!

Abutilon eremitopetalum is commonly known as the hidden-petaled abutilon or hidden petal Indian mallow. It is endemic to dry forests and low shrublands on the windward side of the island of Lānaʻi in Hawaii. It was first discovered in 1987 with subpopulation consisting of 60-70 plants, but by the mid-1990s it had been more than halved. It is critically endangered due to habitat destruction. The continuous decline was due to the impacts of the deer, introduced mouflon sheep and alien plants. Overgrazing by and dry habitats in Hawaii have reduced the plants’ population by 90% from their original distribution and continue to decline dramatically. Promoting awareness to save this plant will be a great help.

Source: IUCN Red List 

I’m Endangered!

Acacia anegadensis was previously assessed as Critically Endangered, but with rigorous survey efforts to better understand the preferred habitats of this species and its population numbers, the plant was downlisted to Endangered (EN). But there has been an observed decrease in the number of individuals and quality of habitat, mainly due to the threat posed by feral animals which feed on this species and severely degrade its habitat. Opening of new roads and random clearance of land on Anegada,  British Virgin Islands, has also led to a decrease in the number of individuals. Controlling feral animals and establishing the proposed protected areas on Anegada, are essential actions to prevent any further decline of the species. Seed collecting is needed from across the species range, particularly from Fallen Jerusalem, to ensure that the genetic diversity of the population is captured.

 Source: IUCN Red List 

I’m Critically Endangered!

Callicarpa ampla, also called the capa rose, is a species of plant in the family Lamiaceae. It is an evergreen shrub that can reach a height of 45 feet. Its leaves are simple and opposite, with elevated veins on the leaf underside. It is found in Puerto Rico in the Caribbean region. It is threatened by habitat loss and is a critically endangered plant species. Currently, all known individuals of capá rosa are limited to the Palo Colorado Forest in the Luquillo Mountain Range, in northeast Puerto Rico. Hurricanes which cause considerable damage to the forest prevent the Luquillo Mountain Range from providing the species a place to propagate. Given the very limited distribution of the species, it is vulnerable to destruction or modification of its habitat. Awareness is the key to help save this species.

Source: www.enciclopediapr.org

I’m Critically Endangered!

Ceropegia odorata, also known as Fragrant Ceropegia, is found only in a few places in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan, India. The flowers bloom only for some days and gives off a very strong jasmine scent. It can only be found in areas which are almost or completely inaccessible for humans, where it climbs through the surrounding vegetation. Aside from its tubers being eaten as vegetable, the leaves of this plant are chewed to cure stomach pains and the juice from the tubers is used as eye medicine. Drastic decline of this species is the result from encroachment and digging out of tubers by local dwellers. These anthropogenic disturbances can be avoided by spreading general awareness of the botanical significance of this species.  

Sources: www.flowersofindia.net and www.researchgate.net

I’m Critically Endangered!

Wahlenbergia linifolia, the large bellflower, is a species of plant  endemic to Saint Helena, South Atlantic Ocean, where it is confined to a small expanse of cliff along the Central Ridge. Despite the common name, this short-lived and weakly woody perennial rarely exceeds 50 cm in height. The Large Bellflower is acutely threatened and extinction could occur within 10 – 15 years without increased intervention. Obtaining an accurate count is difficult due to the challenges of reaching potentially suitable areas and uncertainties over distinguishing hybrid and pure-bred individuals. Most of the surviving plants are currently in poor condition and at risk due to climatic extremes, land slips and hybridization. Further damage has resulted from the encroachment of vigorous invasive plants which compete for space with the native species and modify the structure of the habitat. Help us save this species for the next generation.

Source: IUCN Red List