In danger of extinction in Peru

In danger of extinction in Peru

By Dr. Kyle Muller

The diversity of Peru’s flora is lush: did you know that Peruvian plants have 10% of the planet’s flora species? That 10% are nothing less than 25 thousand different species, among which more than 7 thousand are endemic, that is, they are originally from Peru and are only able to develop in that area. Unfortunately, some harmful ways of exploiting nature, such as illegal logging, burning forests, constructions in virgin territories, overparation, species traffic, etc., are the causes for which many species of plants in Peru (almost 800) are threatened and could disappear in the coming years.

Do you want to meet What plants in Peru are in danger of extinction? Well, do not stop reading this interesting ecology article in which you will find a list and descriptions of the in danger of extinction in Peru best known and relevant.

Puya (Puya Raimondii)

The Puya It is one Peru endemic plant 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 cluster (or inflorescence), can reach 12 meters high. It is from the same family as the pineapple and receives that name for the spikes (or “puyas”) that stand out from their clusters. He can live 100 years and it’s just just before his death when he releases his seeds.

In danger of extinction in Peru - Puya (Puya Raimondii)

Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla)

We continue with The mahogany (also called Caobo). It is a tree that develops in the Peruvian Amazon And that has a very solid reddish wood with great value in the elaboration of furniture because it is easy to carve. This has caused indiscriminate fallen to leave it in a very vulnerable situation.

In danger of extinction in Peru - Caoba (Swietenia Macrophylla)

Cat nail (Tomentosa Uncaria)

Cat nail It is another of the Peru 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 indigenous inhabitants as a medicinal plant, as it has anti -inflammatory, analgesic and also oxidizing properties.

In danger of extinction in Peru - Cat nail (Tomentosa Uncaria)

Amacaes Flor (Ismene Amancaes)

This Plant in danger of extinction It is a herb with white bulbs, intense green leaves and yellow flowers with the greenish interior. The Amancaes flower germinates on the Peruvian coast between stones and mist of the cold era. It only blooms once a year, because it has a living time of about 2 to 4 days.

In danger of extinction in Peru - Flor de Amancaes (Ismene Amancaes)

Quina (cinchona officinalis)

It is a tree that is in the rainy jungle of the Amazon. It is known as the National Tree of Perubecause it is included in the national shield as a symbol of the natural wealth of the country. Its cortex has medicinal qualities. Thus, the infusions of The quina They are recommended as antipyretic, digestive, antiseptic and healing.

In danger of extinction in Peru - quina (cinchona officinalis)

White mangrove (racmosa lagcularia)

This species can grow in a bush or tree with a height of between 12 to 18 m. He White mangrove It is characterized by having long branches, which are intertwined with their external roots, forming the acquaintances 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.

In danger of extinction in Peru - White mangrove (lagcularia racmosa)

Queñoa (Polylepis Racosa)

The Queñoa It grows at very high altitudes (more than 3,200 meters) in the wet mountain forest. Its population has been diminished by their burning and logging, but she is a good candidate for reforestation, since she presents a Growth quite fast and a good adaptation. As a curiosity, it is the tree that can survive at a higher height in the world.

In danger of extinction in Peru - Queñoa (Polylepis Racosa)

Orchid “shoe” (phragmipedium kovachii)

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

In danger of extinction in Peru - orchid

Outline (Hoplorhus peruviana)

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

In danger of extinction in Peru - Cancock (Hoplorhus peruviana)

Image: Pinterest

Hercampuri (Gentianella Alborosea)

It is a herbaceous Peruvian plant that lives for two years and that we can only find in the Andes of Peru. Among their Medicinal uses Those attributed to it stand out to regulate fat metabolism and relieve liver conditions. That is why, like cat nail, it is in Danger of extinction.

In danger of extinction in Peru - Hercampuri (Gentianella Alborosea)

Image: Facebook

Arrayán (Myrcianthes Ferreyrae)

It is a species that grows in the Peru desertwhere there is fog oasis. Arrayán is in critical danger And it is due to excessive droughts in the area, as well as human activity (constructions, mining, deforestation, etc.).

In danger of extinction in Peru - Arrayán (Myrcianthes Ferreyrae)

Image: Facebook

Canaquil Rubber (Parkinsonia Peruviana)

It is one Endemic species of medium bushes that are located in the Superior Valley of Marañón in northern Peru, which is a semi -desert area. There are very few copies of Canaquil Rubberit is believed that between 150 or 200 only. Agriculture, logging and obtaining wood is what its population has diminished.

In danger of extinction in Peru - Canaquil Rubber (Parkinsonia Peruviana)

Image: Wikipedia

Other plants in danger of extinction in Peru

Others Peru Flora Species They are in Danger of extinction are:

  • The Christopher or Palo Hormigo (Pathmiscium dimorphandrum).
  • The axinea (Axinaea Oblongifolia).
  • The Romerillo (Podocarpus glomeratus).
  • The carob (Prosopis Pallida).
  • The cedar (Cedrela Odorata).

We said 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 representing the National Park of the Abyseo River, the Historic Sanctuary of Machupicchu and the Allpahuayo Mishana National Reserve.

In danger of extinction in Peru - other plants in danger of extinction in Peru

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Kyle Muller
About the author
Dr. Kyle Muller
Dr. Kyle Mueller is a Research Analyst at the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department in Houston, Texas. He earned his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Texas State University in 2019, where his dissertation was supervised by Dr. Scott Bowman. Dr. Mueller's research focuses on juvenile justice policies and evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing recidivism among youth offenders. His work has been instrumental in shaping data-driven strategies within the juvenile justice system, emphasizing rehabilitation and community engagement.
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