[15] Plants in Danger of Extinction: Complete List and Description

A species is considered endangeredif your survival is threatened.

The main factors that put plant species at risk derive mainly from human activity, whether for agricultural, urban or industrial purposes. In this article you can see the plants in danger of extinction that exist in Spain.

Some of the most significant endangered plants

Baobab

Six of the eight species of baobab that currently exist in the world grow exclusively in Madagascar. However, climate change and increased human activity will soon wipe out the habitats of two of the island’s species.

Bois Dentelle

An extremely rare species of tree that produces pendent, pale-colored flowers. Currently, there are only two trees of this species in the entire world.

It is considered in danger of extinction, because its habitat is invaded by non-native plants that affect the environmental balance.

venus flytrap

Although it is usually found relatively easily in specialized stores, the Venus flytrap is a plant considered vulnerable. It is also an anti mosquito plant.

In some parts of the world, the commercialization of specimens of natural origin is prohibited. Only those that have been grown under controlled conditions are marketed.

Ironically, it is its economic overexploitation that has put it at risk.

Slap

It is found in some towns in Valencia and Ibiza.

Its reproduction has been complicated due to the increasingly scarce number of specimens. This, in addition, complicates its collection for controlled conservation.

green jade flower

Related to some legumes such as beans, the green flower of Jade is a woody perennial species in the botanical family Fabaceae. It is native to the Philippines, where it is known as » tayabak «.

Its branches are thick and its leaves acquire a green color with jade tones, which measure between 3 to 7 cm.

It is in danger of extinction due to the deforestation of its habitat.

rafflesia

Considered the largest on the planet, Rafflesia flowers can measure up to almost a meter in diameter and weigh about 11 kg.

It is found in the humid forests of Indonesia, specifically Sumatra and Borneo, as well as in some jungles of Southeast Asia.

It is in danger of extinction due to the deforestation of the forests in Sumatra.

Dragon tree of Gran Canaria

It is a Solanaceae, quite affected by residual agriculture and occasional grazing. Currently, a reduced population survives in the Azuaje Special Nature Reserve.

Attenborough pitcher plant

Another carnivorous plant in danger of extinction, Nepenthes attenboroughii is a flowering species, of the genus Nepenthes, named after the famous naturalist, Sir David Attenborough.

It is so large that it can feed on small mammals such as rats and lagomorphs, as well as some reptiles and batrachians.

It is located on the summit of Mount Victoria in Palawan, Philippines, and has a population of just a few hundred individuals.

Western Subterranean Orchid

Currently, it only exists in Australia and there are fewer than 50 plants, making it critically endangered.

This orchid has the particularity that it lives underground and its leaves do not have chlorophyll, so it cannot absorb sunlight.

Canary Strawberry Tree

Originally from the Canary Islands, it is a tree that reaches up to 15 meters in height. It grows preferably in steep, sunny and humid areas, on ridges or slopes.

It is threatened by habitat loss.

jellyfish tree

Tree with tangled branches, with small white flowers that are hidden in its thickness. It grows along the island of Mahe, where hardly a hundred specimens remain.

It is in danger of extinction due to climate change, since for its reproduction it requires such humid environments that it is not possible to reproduce in greenhouses.

white rosette

It is a succulent plant, native to Oaxaca, Mexico. Its leaves are rounded and covered by a protective film that gives it a greyish-blue, almost white appearance.

The main risk factors are wind erosion and grazing. As if that were not enough, their habitat has been altered for looting and illegal sale.

big leaf mahogany

Belonging to the Meliaceae family, this mahogany tree endemic to America is in danger of extinction, largely due to the high demand for its wood, used in high-quality furniture.

In addition, it is threatened by habitat loss.

Goldenseal

The golden seal or Canadian turmeric is a plant of the Ranunculaceae family, native to southeastern Canada and northeastern USA, although it is also cultivated in northern European countries, from England to Russia.

Its active ingredients are hydrastine and berberine, which have an antiseptic effect.

Because of this, it is one of the plants with the highest demand as a healing remedy. Its high commercialization and immoderate logging has brought this species to the brink of extinction.

Cypriot onion

The Cypriot onion is found only in Cyprus and is considered endangered because its habitat has been greatly reduced by logging for road construction and the expansion of agricultural land.