Beaucarnea sanctomariana

Beaucarnea sanctomariana
Conservation status
Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Order:	Asparagales
Family:	Asparagaceae
Subfamily:	Nolinoideae
Genus:	Beaucarnea
Species:	B. sanctomariana
Binomial name
Beaucarnea sanctomariana L.Hern.[2]

Beaucarnea sanctomariana is a tree in the family Asparagaceae, native to Mexico. The species is named for the town of Santa María Chimalapa in Oaxaca.[3]

Description

Beaucarnea sanctomariana grows up to 7 metres (20 ft) tall. Its conical trunk swells to a base diameter of up to 1.5 m (5 ft). The long, thin leaves measure up to 85 cm (30 in) long. Its inflorescences feature cream-yellow flowers. The ellipsoid to roundish fruits measure up to 0.8 cm (0.3 in) long.[3]

Distribution and habitat

Beaucarnea sanctomariana is endemic to Mexico, where it is confined to the Chimalapas region of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Oaxaca. Its habitat is on slopes facing the Gulf of Mexico, at altitudes of 200–700 m (700–2,300 ft).[1]

Conservation

Beaucarnea sanctomariana has been assessed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. It is primarily threatened by illegal harvesting for the ornamental plant trade. It is also threatened by fragmentation of its forest habitat for development. The species is not found in any protected areas.[1]

References

1. Fuentes, A.C.D.; Martínez Salas, E.; Samain, M.-S.; Hernández Sandoval, L. (2020). "Beaucarnea sanctomariana". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T136808308A137376214. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-1.RLTS.T136808308A137376214.en.
2. "Beaucarnea sanctomariana". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 29 December 2021.
3. Hernández Sandoval, Luis (2001). "Beaucarnea sanctomariana (Nolinaceae), a New Micro-Endemic Species of Ponytail Palm from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, Mexico". Novon. 11 (1). Missouri Botanical Garden: 50–54. doi:10.2307/3393207. JSTOR 3393207.