Podocarpus urbanii

Botanical Description

Podocarpus urbanii is an evergreen tree that rarely exceeds 10 metres in height[ 1191 Title Journal of the Arnold Arboretum Vol. 29 Publication Author Website http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org Publisher Harvard University; Boston, Mass. Year 1948 ISBN Description A botanical journal with various articles, including a revision of the genus Podocarpus. It can be downloaded from the Internet. ]. The tree is harvested from the wild (often illegally) for its wood which is used locally and traded. Podocarpus urbanii has an estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) of 50 km2. The ridge forest of the Blue Mountain and John Crow Mountains National Park where it occurs, is considered to represent a single location (especially in relation to the impact of invasive species). In addition to the documented stands there are also thought to be a number of inaccessible stands which have yet to be documented. Even though it is afforded protection within the Blue and John Crow Mountains NP, established in 1990, the general habitat is still under considerable threat from deforestation resulting from subsistence and commercial farmers using slash and burn techniques to convert forests to agricultural land. Illegal timber harvesting is a significant threat while invasive species that are rapidly spreading in closed canopy forests and along tracks and stream sides also represent a threat. Due to its limited EOO, presence at a single location, recent and continuing decline in mature individuals as well as a recent and continuing decline in the extent, area and quality of habitat, this species is classified as 'Critically Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[ 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. ].