Palo de Ramón facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Palo de Ramón |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Banara
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| Species: |
vanderbiltii
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The palo de ramon (Banara vanderbiltii) is a very rare plant found only in Puerto Rico. It belongs to the willow family. This plant is critically endangered, which means it is in great danger of disappearing forever. There are fewer than 20 of these plants left in the wild today. In 1987, when it was first listed as an endangered species in the United States, only six plants remained.
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What is the Palo de Ramon?
This plant is an evergreen shrub, which means it stays green all year round. It can grow quite tall, up to 9 meters (about 30 feet). Its leaves are rough and hairy, growing up to 12 centimeters (about 5 inches) long. The flowers are yellow and have many stamens, which are the parts that produce pollen. When the plant produces fruit, they are red-purple. These fruits are an important food source for birds like the bananaquit and the western spindalis.
Why is the Palo de Ramon Disappearing?
The palo de ramon grows in wet forests, especially on limestone ground. Sadly, its home has been greatly reduced by deforestation. This means that forests where it lives are cut down. People clear the land for different reasons. One big reason is for agriculture, like growing coffee on large farms called plantations. Also, animals like cows are allowed to graze in these areas, eating the plants. Even Military exercises have caused problems, as parts of the forest have been trampled. All these activities make it very hard for the palo de ramon to survive.
Where Can You Find It Now?
A long time ago, the palo de ramon could be found near San Juan. However, as the city grew, these plants disappeared from that area. This is called local extinction. Today, you can only find this plant in one main area along the northwestern coast of Puerto Rico. There is one small group of plants near Cayey and an even smaller group near Bayamón.
How Was it Discovered?
The palo de ramon plant was first discovered in 1899. It was named after Cornelius Vanderbilt. He was a wealthy person who helped pay for trips to collect different kinds of plants.
