Trees play an important role in our ecosystem. It maintains the balance of the Earth’s natural landscape because of their role in preventing soil erosion. Trees also moderate ground and atmospheric temperatures by producing oxygen and reducing carbon dioxide. In addition, for many developing countries, trees are an integral source of energy.
Given the importance of trees, people still often take it for granted. Thus, tropical forest and mountaintops alike are slowly being denuded because of the irresponsible and abusive way of cutting trees such as illegal logging. People should be aware of the possible side effects that illegal logging and irresponsible tree cutting bring.
Hence, the following are the ten most endangered species of trees.
1) Bois Dentelle
There are only two known living Bois Dentellen trees in the world today. This beautiful bell-shaped tree is arguably one of the most glamorous-looking trees that ever lived on Earth.
Mauritian Wildlife Foundation together with the Ministry of Agriculture Division of Horticulture is currently researching ways on how to propagate and raised more trees of its kind.
2) Dragon Tree
The Dragon tree is a genus of about 40 sub species including the Socotra Dragon Tree, Gabal Elba Dragon Tree and the Gran Canaria Dragon Tree. Majority of its species grow in parts of Africa.
3) African Baobab
The African Baobab is found on hot and dry parts of the Sahara Dessert in Africa. It bears beautiful and large flowers often pollinated by fruit bats endemic in the region.
4) Clanwilliam Cypress
The Clanwilliam Cypress is a small evergreen tree that is endemic to Ceredberg Mountains in Cape Town, South Africa. Sadly, these trees are threatened by habitat loss.
5) Honduras Rosewood
The Honduras Rosewood can be found in only three countries, the Belize, Southern Mexico, and Guatemala. The decline of the Honduras Rosewood can be attributed to the expensive nature of its logs.
The wood is used to make musical instruments such as guitars and other string instruments.
6) Monkey Puzzle
Monkey Puzzles can grow in Chile and some other parts of Europe. Its lifespan can reach up thousands of years. The Monkey Puzzle can grow as much as 131 feet tall.
7) African Blackwood
The main reason behind its continuous diminish is that the African Blackwood is arguably the best wood used in making musical instruments such as flutes, reed and other woodwind instruments.
8) St. Helena Gumwood
St. Helena Gumwood is the national tree of the St. Helena Island. It boasts an umbrella-like fixture and was then one of the most abundant trees in the island but natives often used it as firewood probably because it of its hairy texture which makes it easier to be burn.
9) Hinton’s Oak
The Hinton’s Oak is an important tree in Mexico because it is perfect in making knives, spoon, fork, handles, pot and other types of kitchen utensils. Sadly, there are just three known species of Hinton’s oak growing in Mexico.
10) Loulu
Some 40,000 years ago, Polynesian travelers brought and raised thousands of Loulu trees in Hawaii. It’s often used to make spears, shields and other kinds of primitive weapons. However, today there are just about 300 estimated Loulu trees. These trees grow up to 60 feet tall and looks quite similar to a coconut tree.
