Found a species of magnolia that has been lost for nearly 100 years in Haiti

Recently, an indigenous magnolia flower that has been missing for 97 years in Haiti was suddenly found in a forest in the country's longest Massif du Nord mountain range in the Caribbean.

Known for its pure white flowers and uniquely shaped leaves, the Haitian northern magnolia (scientific name is Magnolia emarginata) was first discovered in the mountains of Morne Colombo.

Haitian northern magnolia (Magnolia emarginata) is known for its pure white flowers and uniquely shaped leaves.

However, indiscriminate deforestation destroyed the area and caused Magnolia emarginata to disappear from scientific observation since 1925.

This plant was later included on the list of threatened species in the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The rediscovery of the Magnolia emarginata has raised new hopes for the possibility of regenerating the forests of Haiti.

Over the years, forest coverage in the Caribbean island nation has declined dramatically as the forest area has shrunk to only about 1%. Many native plants can now only grow in mountainous areas or ravines that are difficult for humans to access.

Given that magnolias can survive in alpine habitats, a group of conservationists from the Haiti National Trust - Haiti's non-profit organization protecting biodiversity - reached out to the mountains. Massif du Nord in hopes of finding this plant that has been lost for nearly a century.

On the third day of the expedition, the team discovered a strange tree and took the first pictures of the tree. Then, they went on to find 16 flowering plants in different stages of development, along with young plants in the early stages of growth.

Once the species was identified, members of the Haiti National Trust collected samples for DNA analysis and plan to return in late fall to collect seeds. According to the researchers, the new findings show that many more plant species can be found in this area.

The Haitian National Trust has successfully grown four other native magnolias on the island of Hispaniola. With their experience, scientists hope to be able to help local communities contribute to restoration efforts, aiming to form a botanical garden to care for, conserve and propagate the native magnolia species. geography.