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 forests 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 planets 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 its also threatened. The plants 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, wellclick 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.