Strange Endangered Trees

(Image via easyweb)

We live in a time some experts are calling the “last great land grab“. In

order to sustain the rapidly growing population of the world in the

coming years, millions of acres of forest will need to be converted to

other uses – unless we come up with smarter solutions. With global

warming on the rise, forests are more valuable than ever as vital

carbon sinks. The twin threats of global warming and deforestation

threatens many geographically distinct and ecologically important

trees. Here are just a few.

Baobob Tree

(Images via pbase, myspace and about.com)

Native to equatorial Africa and India, and most famous for covering

much of Madagascar, the distinctive baobob tree  is increasingly

threatened. This tree is leafless nine months of the year and stores

water in its trunk much like a camel. People make homes in the base,

and the tree also produces an edible fruit called the monkeyfruit.

Monkey Puzzle Tree

This unusual evergreen tree, native to the threatened forests of Chile,

is so ancient it is considered a living fossil. It has triangular, spiky,

sharp leaves and bears large cones. It is considered the national tree

of Chile. Due to its memorable, tail-like appearance, the monkey

puzzle tree is popularly cultivated in yards around the world.

Dragon Tree

(Image via ofspiritandsoul)

The dragon tree pictured above is over 2,000 years old. The dragon

tree genus contains 40 different species, many of which are popularly

cultivated. Some are quite small, but the most famous are the large

dragon tree pictured. They are native to Africa, though a few species

are found elsewhere.

Bois Dentelle

This beautiful, delicate tree is exceedingly rare: there are only two bois dentelle trees that remain in existence. The pair is located in the cloud forest of Mauritius. Though it has no commercial value, it is near extinction because the cloud forest habitat has been severely damaged by alien invasive species. The bois dentelle produces beautiful sprays of delicate hanging white flowers.

Cork

The cork is

actually a type of oak. From this article on endangered forests: “The

odd and distinctive cork bark forest of the Mediterranean is a case

where industry actually preserves this unique biome. In fact, the

advent of the screw-top wine stopper is the cork bark forest’s greatest

threat. … Experts say we will lose cork forests in the next decade if

the wine industry continues to turn to alternative corks. Cork oaks are

really fascinating; they can be ‘shorn’, much like sheep, for many

years with proper maintenance. Without market incentive, though,

these forests may fall into disrepair or be cleared all together.”

Bizarre Endangered Plants

(Images via cosleyhouston, traveljournal and mockturtle29)

With the prevalent deforestation of the planet’s woodlands, many

fascinating and rare plant species are being destroyed before

scientists have the ability to determine if there is, for example,

important medicinal value. According to the Encyclopedia of Earth,

over 8,000 plant species worldwide are officially threatened or

endangered. Between one-fourth and one-half of all plants are at

some risk. The combination of global warming and habitat destruction

is formidable. Though there are thousands of interesting, diverse and

unusual plants, here are a few particularly odd species that need

protection. Especially when you consider that our planet may be the

only one where plants are green!

Venus Fly Trap

(Images via mooseyscountrygarden and wikimedia)

It seems like everyone did a report on this insect-eating mini monster

back in grade school. The carnivorous venus fly trap  may be famous,

but it’s also threatened. The plant’s two hinged leaves are covered in

ultra sensitive fine hairs that detect the presence of everything from

ants to arachnids. Trigger the hairs and snap! Lunch for the Venus Fly

Trap.

Baseball Plant

(Image via liangjinjian)

This incredibly popular house plant is virtually extinct in the wild due to

habitat destruction and the botanical equivalent of poaching. Its sap is

poisonous, but it does make an attractive yard ornament.

Unfortunately humans have not balanced their desire to grow

the baseball plant in their gardens with the need to preserve natural

populations of the plant.

Green Pitcher Plant

(Images via homeschoolblogger and FWS)

Another carnivorous plant, the unique green pitcher plant is

endangered. Actually an herb, this insect-eating plant is native to

Georgia, South Carolina and other parts of the southern United

States, but due to land development its habitat is threatened and the

pitcher plant may be lost if protection is not put in place. They are

known to grow in stands, almost like little tree groves. There are

actually several types of pitcher plants, some brilliantly colored and

reminiscent of, well…click to see. But all use the same techniques and

tools to lure and trap insects.

Welwitschia Mirabilis

(Images via Hamburg University and Adventure Rider)

This odd plant stumped taxonomists for years. A desert plant found in

South Africa, the thickwelwitschia mirabilis generally possesses only

two leaves, but these leaves curl and tangle as the plant grows (it

often lives over 1,000 years) and becomes a jumbled, tough mass

spanning 6 feet or more.