Ilex sapiiformis
Ilex sapiiformis, also known as the Pernambuco holly, is an endangered tree in the family Aquifoliaceae endemic to the state of Pernambuco in Brazil.[1]
| 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 | |
Description
It can grow up to 12 metres (39 ft) tall and is diecious. The flowers are small and white.[2]
Distribution and habitat
The species has only been known 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
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
- Fernandez, E., Arguello, L., Martinelli, G. & Gomes, M. 2020. Ilex sapiiformis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T150999089A180251868. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T150999089A180251868.pt. Accessed on 27 September 2023.
- "'Lost' Brazilian holly tree species found again after nearly 200 years". Mongabay Environmental News. 2023-09-21. Retrieved 2023-09-28.