Magnolia guatemalensis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Magnolia guatemalensis |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Magnolia
|
| Species: |
guatemalensis
|
| Subspecies | |
|
|
The Magnolia guatemalensis is a beautiful tree. You can find it in the high lands and mountains. These areas are in Chiapas, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. This tree is special because it helps us know if a cloud forest is healthy. It is like a natural sign for these unique forests.
People in these areas call it mamey. But be careful! Other trees also share this name. For example, Pouteria sapota from Cuba and Mammea americana from Central and South America are also called mamey. These trees are not related to the Magnolia guatemalensis.
Contents
About the Magnolia Tree
Magnolia guatemalensis is a very attractive tree. It can grow quite tall, up to 15 meters high. That is about the height of a four-story building!
Leaves and Flowers
This magnolia has strong, shiny leaves. Its new leaf parts, called stipules, and its flower parts, called sepals, are bright red and glossy. The tree's leaves can look different from one tree to another. They can change in size and shape. Sometimes, the bottom of the leaves might not have tiny hairs. This is called being polymorphic, meaning it can have many forms.
The tree blooms from late February to late May. Its flowers are also polymorphic. This means their petals can vary in size and shape too. Each flower is unique!
Where the Magnolia Lives
Magnolia guatemalensis grows in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. We do not know its exact range very well. The first sample of this tree was found in Tactic, Guatemala. There, it grows a lot in wet, marshy areas.
Special Places for Magnolias
You can also find this tree in Guatemala's Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve. In El Salvador, it lives in Cerro de Montecristo National Park. In Honduras, it grows in the Opalaca, Montecillos, and Guajiquiro mountain ranges. Scientists estimate it grows across an area of about 45,000 square kilometers.
Its Home: Cloud Forests
This magnolia tree loves humid cloud forests. It also grows in moist mixed forests. These forests are usually found high up in the mountains. They are between 1,300 and 2,600 meters above sea level.
Threats to the Tree
Sadly, the Magnolia guatemalensis is facing dangers. Its home, the forest, is shrinking. This is due to people cutting down trees illegally. Also, fires started by humans harm the forests. People are also clearing forests to make space for cattle farms. They also clear land for growing crops. All these actions threaten the magnolia's survival.
Types of Magnolia guatemalensis
There are two main types, or subspecies, of Magnolia guatemalensis.
Guatemalan Subspecies
One type is M. guatemalensis subsp. guatemalensis. This one is only found in Guatemala. It is special to that country.
Honduran Subspecies
The other type is M. guatemalensis subsp. hondurensis. People often call it the Honduran magnolia. You can find this subspecies in El Salvador and Honduras. Both of these magnolia types are considered endangered by the IUCN. This means they are at high risk of disappearing forever.
Growing New Magnolias
Scientists have successfully grown new magnolia trees. They did this by mixing Magnolia guatemalensis with another type of magnolia. This other tree is called the Southern magnolia (M. grandiflora). This process is called hybridization. It can help create new, strong types of trees.
See also
In Spanish: Magnolia de Guatemala para niños
