17 ENDANGERED PLANTS in PERU - Names and photos

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The diversity of the flora of Peru is exuberant: did you know that Peruvian plants have 10% of the flora species on the planet? That 10% are no less than 25 thousand different species, among which more than 7 thousand are endemic, that is, they are native to Peru and are only capable of developing in that area. Unfortunately, some harmful ways of exploiting nature, such as illegal logging, forest burning, construction in virgin territories, overgrazing, species trafficking, etc., are the reasons why many plant species in Peru (almost 800) are threatened and could disappear in the next few years.

You want to know which Peruvian plants are in danger of extinction? Well, be sure to read this interesting article by Green Ecologist in which you will find a list and descriptions of the endangered plants in Peru most known and relevant.

Puja (Puya Raimondii)

The puja is a endemic plant of Peru which develops at altitudes between 3,200 and 4,800 meters above sea level. Its vegetative part can measure up to 4 meters and, together with its raceme (or inflorescence), it can reach 12 meters in height. It is from the same family as the pineapple and is named for the quills (or "puyas") that protrude from its bunches. It can live up to 100 years and it is only just before its death that it releases its seeds.

Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla)

We continue with mahogany (also called mahogany). It is a tree that grows in the Peruvian Amazone and that it has a very solid reddish wood with great value in the elaboration of furniture because it is easy to carve. This has made indiscriminate logging to leave it in a very vulnerable situation.

Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa)

Cat's claw is another of the Peruvian plants that are in danger of extinction or threatened. This plant grows in the Peruvian jungle along the eastern flank of the Andes mountain range and is a climbing plant. It is used by the indigenous inhabitants as a medicinal plant, as it has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and also oxidative properties.

Flower of Amancaes (Ismene amancaes)

Is endangered plant It is an herb with white bulbs, deep green leaves and yellow flowers with a greenish interior. The Amancaes flower germinates on the Peruvian coasts among stones and mist from the cold period. It only blooms once a year, as it has a life time of about 2 to 4 days.

Quina (Cinchona officinalis)

It is a tree found in the Amazon rainforest. It is known as the national tree of Peru, as it is included in the national coat of arms as a symbol of the country's natural wealth. Its bark has medicinal qualities. Thus, infusions of the cinchona they are recommended as antipyretic, digestive, antiseptic and healing.

White mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa)

This species can grow in the form of a bush or a tree with a height of between 12 to 18 m. The white mangrove It is characterized by having long branches, which intertwine with its external roots, forming the well-known mangroves present in estuaries and coastal areas of tropical latitudes. The modification of the natural course of water bodies represents a serious risk for this species.

Queñoa (Polylepis racemosa)

The queñoa It grows at very high altitudes (more than 3,200 meters) in the humid mountain forest. Its population has been diminished by its burning and logging, but it is a good candidate for reforestation, since it presents a fairly rapid growth and a good adaptation. As a curiosity, it is the tree that can survive the highest in the world.

Orchid “Zapatito” (Phragmipedium kovachii)

This beautiful species of orchid is native to the montane forests of northern Peru and grows at more than 1,600 meters above sea level. It's in critical danger of extinction and is, therefore, protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Carzo (Haplorhus peruviana)

The carzo is another species that is in critical danger of extinction. Logging for wood, as well as recent deforestation to increase the amount of crops, has caused its distribution to be restricted only to the Cinto Valley, in southern Peru.

Image: Pinterest

Hercampuri (Gentianella alborosea)

It is a Peruvian herbaceous plant that lives for two years and that we can only find in the Andes of Peru. Between his medical uses those attributed to regulate fat metabolism and alleviate liver disease stand out. That is why, like cat's claw, it is found in Danger of extinction.

Image: Facebook

Myrcianthes ferreyrae (Myrcianthes ferreyrae)

It is a species that grows in the desert of Peru, where there are oases of mists. The myrtle is critically endangered and it is due to the excessive droughts in the area, as well as human activity (construction, mining, deforestation, etc.).

Image: Facebook

Canaquil gum (Parkinsonia peruviana)

Is a endemic species of medium shrubs that are located in the upper Marañón valley in northern Peru, which is a semi-desert area. Very few copies of Canaquil gum, it is believed that between 150 or 200 only. Agriculture, logging and obtaining timber is what has so depleted its population.

Image: Wikipedia

Other plants in danger of extinction in Peru

Other flora species of Peru which are in Danger of extinction are:

• Cristobal or palo hormigo (Platymiscium dimorphandrum).
• The axinea (Axinaea oblongif.webpolia).
• The romerillo (Podocarpus glomeratus).
• The carob treeProsopis pallida).
• Cedar (Cedrela odorata).

We say goodbye, remembering that the great wealth of the peruvian flora It is a source of pride for the inhabitants of Peru, but its conservation represents a great challenge. Therefore, we must bet on conservation and protection figures such as those that represent the Abiseo River National Park, the Historic Sanctuary of Machupicchu and the Allpahuayo Mishana National Reserve.

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