La plant biodiversity is essential for the healthy functioning of ecosystems. Each plant has a specific role in the balance of nature, and its disappearance can cause chain effects. Unfortunately, due to both natural and anthropogenic causes, Many plant species are in danger of extinction. Once a species disappears, it cannot exist again, taking with it millions of years of evolution and adaptations. According to the IUCN Red List, there are 1,000 species in Spain 276 plant species in serious danger of extinction.
In this article, we are going to explore some of the Flowers in danger of extinction in Spain, their characteristics, the threats they face and efforts to protect them.
Flowers in danger of extinction in Spain
The natural environment is being affected by a lethal combination of climate change and human activity. This causes many species, both animal and plant, to be at risk of disappearing. According to a study by the IUCN, around 100,000 species are 39,4% of the plants worldwide are in danger of extinction. This figure is alarming, especially if we consider that a large number of these plants play vital roles in ecosystems.
Interestingly, only a small portion of plant species are currently used for food or biofuel, which shows that we could further diversify the resources we use without relying on just a few crops. However, Only 15 plant species provide 90% of human caloric intake, with wheat, maize and rice being the most important. This limits our ability to cope with changes in the environment, as we rely exclusively on very few food sources.
Grasshopper (Erigeron frigidus)
This plant, with purple flowers, is endemic to the Sierra Nevada mountains, between Granada and Almería. It grows at altitudes of 3.500 metres on rocky ground and among the rocks of alpine meadows, which considerably limits its habitat. Currently, there are only two known areas where specimens of zamárraga can be found.
The main threats to this plant are: goat predation and unauthorized collection by tourists visiting these protected areas. It also faces difficulties due to the hybridization with Erigeron major, which is affecting its population. Today, only 130 mature specimens, which puts the zamárraga at a very high risk of extinction.
Paular Geranium (Erodium paularense)
This wild geranium is another native plant that is in serious danger of extinction. Its name comes from the Monastery of Santa María de El Paular in the Lozoya Valley, in Madrid, where it can be found in the Sierra de GuadarramaIt prefers limestone and dolomitic soils, which drastically reduces its habitable area.
The main threats to the Paular geranium are predation by large animals and ants, road and quarry construction, and intensive collection by plant collectors. All this has made this plant very rare and vulnerable.
Wild asparagus (Asparagus fallax)
Endemic to the Canary Islands, this plant can be found on the islands of Tenerife and La Gomera. The main problems affecting the wild asparagus are: livestock predation released to graze and deforestation near areas such as Montaña del Cepo. It also suffers from competition with other species of the same genus, which has considerably reduced its population.
Silver thistle (Stemmacantha cynaroides)
This striking thistle endemic to the Teide canyons, Tenerife, is known for its white and pink flowers. Like many other endangered plants, the silver thistle is threatened by human activity, such as illegal collection by collectors. In addition, rabbits feed on its seeds, which hinders the natural regeneration of the species.
Güigüi's Bighead (Cheirolophus falcisectus)
The Güigüi cabezón is another endemic species, this time from Gran Canaria. It grows in mountains up to 800 meters high, but its distribution area does not exceed 9 square kmIt is threatened by grazing and drought in the area. Although its population remains stable, it remains a very vulnerable plant.
Sierra Nevada chamomile (Artemisia granatensis)
Sierra Nevada chamomile, also called royal chamomile, is popularly known for its healing properties. This plant has been severely overexploited by harvesting for medicinal use, which has reduced its number to only about 2.000 copies, according to recent reports. In addition, its low genetic variability makes it difficult to adapt to environmental changes.
Friar's Lechuguilla (Hypochaeris oligocephala)
This endemic species of Tenerife is extremely vulnerable, with only 1.330 mature specimens left. It grows in very stony terrain on the island, making it sensitive to natural landslides and volcanic eruptionsFurthermore, the development of infrastructure such as roads near their habitat has further affected their already reduced population.
Crag flower (Crambe feuillei)
This plant is also endemic to the Canary Islands, specifically El Hierro. There are only two known populations, and both the pruning for road maintenance as landslides in the region have contributed to its gradual disappearance.
The case of the cliff flower is typical: plants that are not only threatened by natural causes, but also by human activities that could be avoided.
Sandarac (Tetraclinis articulata)
The sandarac is a coniferous tree found in several locations in southwestern Spain, Malta and North Africa. Historically, its wood was exploited for construction, leading to a large reduction in its populations. Fortunately, thanks to the legal protections, their numbers have begun to increase.
The process of preserving plant biodiversity is closely related to correcting certain human practices. In this way, we not only contribute to the survival of these species, but also to the stability of the ecosystems they inhabit. Legal protection and conservation programs are just some of the tools we can use to stop the extinction of these species in Spain and around the world.