Pictetia aculeata

Botanical Description

Pictetia aculeata is a spiny, deciduous shrub or a tree; it can grow up to 9 metres tall, but is rarely above 6 metres in the wild due to overexploitation. The bole can be 20cm or more in diameter[ 447 Title Common Trees of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands Publication Author Little E.L.; Wadsworth F.H. Publisher USDA, Forest Service; Washington. Year 1964 ISBN Description Contains detailed information, and usually an illustration, on 250 tree species, including both native and exotic species. ]. The tree produces a very durable wood, but because of the small dimensions is only used for fence posts. It is sometimes grown as a living fence and is suitable for groing as an ornamental, especially in drier areas, being valued especially for its long-lasting floral display[ 447 Title Common Trees of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands Publication Author Little E.L.; Wadsworth F.H. Publisher USDA, Forest Service; Washington. Year 1964 ISBN Description Contains detailed information, and usually an illustration, on 250 tree species, including both native and exotic species. ]. Pictetia aculeata has a restricted range, occurring only in dry forest habitats on the islands of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands (with the exception of St Croix). There is also an observed continuing decline in area, extent and quality of habitat. The plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2019)[ 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. ].