Spanish Plants in Danger of Extinction [List + Images]

In this article we will talk about some of  the main Spanish plants in danger of extinction.  But first, let’s take into consideration some important points.

The species of endangered plants are found throughout the world.

Regardless of the region where they are found, all these species share a common factor  that promotes its extinction : and it is that none of them represents a significant current value – commercial or any other – for the human race.

This lack of utility has largely discouraged all efforts to promote their conservation.

In various areas, the effects of climate change, deforestation and land development have also played a key role in the disappearance of these species.

In other cases, it is a problem caused by different pests and devastating diseases .

What Spanish plants are in danger of extinction?

In Spain , specifically, we can find more than 300 species and subspecies of plants in critical danger of extinction . Likewise, there are about 270 moderately endangered and about 600 vulnerable species and subspecies. Among the most important Spanish plants in danger of extinction we find:

Alliaceae (Allium rouyi Cout)

It is a herbaceous plant of the amaryllidaceae family, such as garlic and onion . Although thought to be extinct, a population of the plant was rediscovered in 1995.

After this discovery, Allium rouyi was considered critically endangered. However, there is research that shows that A. chrysonemum Stearn and A. reconditum Pastor are synonymous with A. rouyi , and therefore, the distribution of this species extends throughout the entire south of the Iberian Peninsula .

Api d’en Bermejo (Apium bermejoi)

Plant species in flower family Apiaceae . It is currently only found in the northeastern part of Menorca , in the Balearic Islands of Spain . In two populations, there are less than 100 individuals that survive. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Colleja (Silene hifacensis)

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.

Gran Canaria Dragon Tree (Dracaena tamaranae)

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

Canarian strawberry tree (Arbutus canariensis)

Originally from the Canary Islands, it is a tree that can reach 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.

Narcissus of the Sierra de Alcaraz (Narcissus alcaracensis)

It is a species of bulbous plant belonging to the amaryllidaceae family , endemic to Albacete, whose natural habitat is rivers and wetlands.

It is considered in danger of extinction due to the loss of habitat.

Clog orchid (Cypripedium calceolus)

Also known as «lady’s shoe . » It is a kind of orchid with a yellow, clog-shaped petal. Currently, in Spain , it only grows in the Pyrenees.

Sea pineapple (Attraylis preauxiana)

It is native to the Canary Islands. Their habitat is about to disappear due to the expansion of cities.

Spanish fir (Abies pinsapo)

It is a fir tree that is located in very specific points of the Andalusian mountains , with a Mediterranean mountain climate where rainfall abounds .

Four-leaf clover (Marsilea quadrifolia)

It is extinct in Spain and Poland, and it is a vulnerable species in Eastern Europe. However, it still exists in certain areas of Europe. One of the causes that put it in danger are crops treated with chemicals , many of which pollute the water in which they live.