Hondurodendron facts for kids

Hondurodendron is a special type of tree. It is the only species in its group, called a monotypic genus. This means there is only one kind of Hondurodendron tree in the world.

This unique tree, known as Hondurodendron urceolatum, grows only in Honduras. This makes it an endemic species, meaning it is found nowhere else.

Discovery of Hondurodendron

Finding a New Tree

Scientists first found Hondurodendron urceolatum during special plant searches. These searches happened in 2004 and 2006. They were looking for new plants in a place called Parque Nacional El Cusuco. This park is in the northwest part of Honduras.

Naming the New Species

After finding the tree, scientists needed to study it. In 2010, four scientists officially described and named this new species. Their names were Carmen Ulloa Ulloa, Daniel L. Nickrent, Caroline Whitefoord, and Daniel L. Kelly. They shared their discovery in a science journal called Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden.

How Scientists Group Plants

Plant Families

Scientists group plants into families based on their features. Hondurodendron belongs to the Olacaceae family. This is how it is grouped in a system called the APG IV system.

However, some scientists group it a bit differently. They might place it in a separate family called Aptandraceae. This shows how scientists sometimes have different ways to organize living things.

Seeing Pictures of the Tree

You can find pictures of this tree online. Some photos are on the Parasitic Plant Connection Aptandraceae website. This can help you see what this special tree looks like.