There are over 73,000 distinct species of trees throughout the world.
Many tree species around the world are critically endangered due to factors like deforestation, climate change, and invasive species.
Some species have been whittled down to just a few specimens. Here are five of the most endangered trees from various parts of the globe:
1. Pennantia baylisiana (Three Kings Kaikomako)
This New Zealand native is considered one of the world’s rarest and most endangered trees. Found only on the Three Kings Islands, it gained attention when only one surviving tree was known in the wild. It was called the world’s loneliest tree. In 1985, a cutting of it was induced to self pollinate, and a few seeds were planted throughout New Zealand.
2. Saint Helena Gumwood
(Commidendrum robustum) – Native to the island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic, this tree is critically endangered due to habitat loss and invasive species. Conservation efforts are crucial to prevent its extinction.
3. Florida Torreya
(Torreya taxifolia) – Also known as stinking cedar, this tree from the southeastern United States is on the brink of extinction in the wild, largely due to fungal disease and habitat changes.
4. Monkey Puzzle Tree
(Araucaria araucana) – Native to Chile and Argentina, this iconic tree is under threat due to logging, forest fires, and grazing. Its distinctive, spiky leaves and longevity have made it a popular ornamental tree, but it struggles to survive in its natural habitat.
5. African Blackwood
(Dalbergia melanoxylon) – Highly valued for its dense, dark wood used in making musical instruments, this tree is over-exploited and under severe threat in the wild. Found across Tanzania and northern Mozambique, sustainable management is vital for its survival, but illegal logging is a major problem.
African Blackwood is sought after by those seeking beautiful rare wood. But please don’t utilize it, it’s too rare and valuable.
Conservation efforts for these and other endangered trees are critical in maintaining biodiversity and the health of ecosystems globally.
For some of these tree species, natural changes have made them critically endangered. But for the majority of them, human impact has negatively affected them.
For more post about trees, check out additional articles here.