Araucaria nemorosa

Botanical Description

Araucaria nemorosa is an evergreen tree with an oval or conical crown; it can grow up to 15 metres tall. The largest boles recorded are around 65 - 70cm in diameter[ 329 Title The Gymnosperm Database Publication Author Website http://www.conifers.org/index.htm Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A vast amount of information on conifers and families of gymnosperms. ]. Although under severe pressure (the tree is classified as 'Criticaly Endangered'), the tree is still sometimes harvested from the wild for local use of its wood. The species is severely fragmented; has a very small extent of occurrence; a very small area of occupancy; coupled with a projected continuing decline. The total population is less than 5,000 mature individuals in two locations. More than 90% are found in seven fragments around Port Boisé while the remainder are slightly inland at Forêt Nord where a smelter is being developed. This area is the focus of an ongoing restoration programme. Subpopulations in the immediate vicinity of Port Boisé are primarily threatened by fire. Genetic research indicates high levels of inbreeding as a result of fragmentation. The plant 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. ].