Buxus vahlii
| Buxus vahlii | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Buxales |
| Family: | Buxaceae |
| Genus: | Buxus |
| Species: | B. vahlii
|
| Binomial name | |
| Buxus vahlii | |
Buxus vahlii, or Vahl's boxwood, is a rare species of
St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where it is known from no more than four populations total. It has probably never been very common, but its distribution has been reduced by deforestation and other human disturbance of its habitat.[2] At the time it was listed as an endangered species of the United States in 1985, it was thought to be endemic to Puerto Rico.[3] Reports that it existed in Jamaica have not been confirmed.[3] A few individuals have been located in St. Croix, some of which are within Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge.[4]
This is a shrub or small tree which can reach 5 meters in height. The stem has two grooves below each node, an identifying characteristic.[2] Clusters of flowers yield fruits which are horned capsules containing black seeds.
The two populations remaining in Puerto Rico total 40Hato Tejas in Bayamón.
The plant grows on limestone substrates. Quarrying of limestone threatens this type of habitat on Puerto Rico, and the smaller population is located next to a quarry.[3]
References
- . Retrieved 16 November 2021.
- ^ a b c d e USFWS. Vahl's Boxwood Recovery Plan. April 28, 1987.
- ^ a b c d USFWS. Final rule to determine Buxus vahlii as an endangered species. Federal Register August 13, 1985.
- ^ USFWS. Draft comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment for Buck Island, Green Cay, and Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuges. Federal Register September 17, 2009]
- ^ a b Center for Plant Conservation
External links