Ilex sapiiformis


Ilex sapiiformis, also known as the Pernambuco holly, is a critically endangered tree in the family Aquifoliaceae endemic to the state of Pernambuco in Brazil.

Description

The tree can grow up to tall and is diecious. The flowers are small and white.

Distribution and habitat

The species has been known only from a small patch of forest next to a sugarcane plantation in the Igarassu municipality of Pernambuco, close to the Greater Recife metropolitan area.

Conservation

After the type specimen was described in 1836, no other individuals were found and the species was considered possibly extinct for nearly 200 years until 4 plants were found in March 2023. Since then, one of the trees has died, leaving only 3 known individuals, rendering the plant narrowly close to extinction unless captive propagation or habitat preservation is done.