12 Extinct Plants: Reasons and Ways to Protect them

When we think of extinction, our minds often conjure images of dinosaurs and ancient animals that roamed the Earth millions of years ago. However, it’s essential to recognize that Earth’s flora has also faced its share of extinction events. Throughout geologic history, several plant species have evolved and then vanished completely, leaving behind only traces in the fossil record. These lost plants played crucial roles in shaping ecosystems, influencing other organisms, and even paving the way for life on land.

Unfortunately, many plant species have gone extinct due to various reasons, such as habitat destruction, climate change, and human activities. In this article, we will explore 15 extinct and endangered plants, understand the reasons behind their extinction, and discuss how we can prevent more plant species from meeting the same fate.

15 Extinct or Endangered Plant Species

1. Silphium

Pronunciation: SIL-fee-um
Era: Antiquity (Extinct by 1st century AD)
Classification: Angiosperms, Umbelliferae
Height: Unknown
Location: North Africa, especially Cyrene (Libya)
Significance: Silphium was highly valued in ancient Rome for its medicinal properties and use as a spice. It was extensively harvested, leading to its eventual extinction. Sustainable harvesting practices are crucial to prevent the overexploitation of valuable plant species. Cultivating such plants in controlled environments can help meet demand without depleting wild populations.

2. St. Helena Olive

Pronunciation: neh-SY-oh-tuh eh-LIP-tih-kuh
Era: Extinct in 2003
Classification: Angiosperms, Rhamnaceae
Height: Up to 2 meters (6.6 feet)
Location: St. Helena (South Atlantic Ocean)
Significance: The St. Helena Olive was native to the island of St. Helena. Habitat destruction and the introduction of invasive species led to its decline. The last known individual died in 2003. Protecting habitats from invasive species and human interference is crucial. Conservation programs should focus on restoring native habitats and controlling invasive species.

3. Franklin Tree

Pronunciation: FRANK-lin-ee-uh a-luh-TAM-uh-huh
Era: Extinct in the wild by early 1800s
Classification: Angiosperms, Theaceae
Height: Up to 10 meters (33 feet)
Location: Southeastern United States (Georgia)
Significance: The Franklin Tree was last seen in the wild in the early 1800s and now exists only in cultivation. Its extinction might have been caused by disease or climate change. Ex-situ conservation, such as cultivating plants in botanical gardens, can save species that are extinct in the wild. Research into the causes of extinction can help prevent similar losses in other species.

4. Cooksonia

Pronunciation: cook-SOH-nee-uh
Era: Paleozoic (Silurian to Devonian)
Classification: Tracheophytes, Rhyniophytes, Cooksonioidea
Height: Less than 30 centimeters (12 inches)
Location: Worldwide, especially Britain (Europe)
Significance: Cooksonia is regarded as the first plant to develop true vascular tissues, which helped in the transportation of water and nutrients. It evolved during the Silurian Period and was crucial in the colonization of land by plants, paving the way for animals to transition from aquatic to terrestrial lifestyles. Understanding the natural history and evolution of plants can provide insights into current biodiversity and how to protect it.

5. Wollemi Pine

Pronunciation: WOL-uh-mee
Era: Rediscovered in 1994
Classification: Gymnosperms, Araucariaceae
Height: Up to 40 meters (131 feet)
Location: Australia
Significance: The Wollemi Pine was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 1994. It is critically endangered due to its limited range and susceptibility to disease. Discoveries of “living fossils” highlight the importance of ongoing exploration and research. Protecting small, vulnerable populations requires strict habitat preservation and disease management.

6. Cry Violet

Pronunciation: VY-oh-luh cry-AH-nuh
Era: Extinct in the 20th century
Classification: Angiosperms, Violaceae
Height: Less than 20 centimeters (8 inches)
Location: France
Significance: The Cry Violet was driven to extinction due to limestone quarrying in its habitat. Mining and quarrying activities should be regulated and monitored to avoid destroying habitats of rare and endangered plants. Creating protected areas can safeguard critical habitats.

7. Kalalau Papala

Pronunciation: char-PEN-tee-ay-ruh oh-boh-VAY-tuh
Era: Extinct in the wild by 1990s
Classification: Angiosperms, Amaranthaceae
Height: Up to 6 meters (20 feet)
Location: Hawaii (United States)
Significance: The Kalalau Papala was driven to extinction in the wild due to habitat destruction and invasive species. Controlling invasive species and preserving native habitats are key strategies in conservation. Restoration projects can help re-establish extinct plants in their natural habitats.

8. Sandalwood

Pronunciation: SAN-duhl-wood
Era: Various species critically endangered or extinct
Classification: Angiosperms, Santalaceae
Height: Up to 10 meters (33 feet)
Location: India, Hawaii, Australia, and other regions
Significance: Several species of Sandalwood have become extinct or critically endangered due to overharvesting and habitat loss. Implementing sustainable harvesting and promoting the cultivation of valuable plant species can reduce pressure on wild populations. Legal protection and enforcement are necessary to prevent illegal harvesting.

9. Toromiro

Pronunciation: so-FOR-uh toh-roh-MEE-roh
Era: Extinct in the wild by 20th century
Classification: Angiosperms, Fabaceae
Height: Up to 3 meters (10 feet)
Location: Easter Island (Chile)
Significance: The Toromiro tree went extinct in the wild due to overgrazing by livestock. Managing livestock and agricultural practices to minimize their impact on native vegetation is essential. Ex-situ conservation efforts, such as seed banks and botanical gardens, can aid in reintroduction programs.

10. Hawaii Chaff Flower

Pronunciation: a-KY-ranth-eez a-TOL-en-sis
Era: Extinct in the wild by 20th century
Classification: Angiosperms, Amaranthaceae
Height: Up to 1 meter (3.3 feet)
Location: Hawaii (United States)
Significance: This Hawaiian plant went extinct due to habitat loss from development and the introduction of invasive species. Protecting island ecosystems from invasive species and conserving remaining habitats are critical for the survival of native plants. Community involvement and education can enhance conservation efforts.

11. Saint Helena Redwood

Pronunciation: troh-kay-tee-OP-sis eh-rith-ROCK-sih-lon
Era: Extinct in the wild by 20th century
Classification: Angiosperms, Malvaceae
Height: Up to 10 meters (33 feet)
Location: St. Helena (South Atlantic Ocean)
Significance: This tree went extinct in the wild due to deforestation and habitat changes caused by human activities. Reforestation and habitat restoration projects can help bring back extinct plant species. Protecting existing forests and promoting sustainable land use practices are essential.

12. Woolly-stalked Begonia

Pronunciation: be-GOH-nee-uh eye-roh-MISH-uh
Era: Extinct in the wild by 20th century
Classification: Angiosperms, Begoniaceae
Height: Less than 1 meter (3.3 feet)
Location: Malaysia
Significance: This Begonia species was driven to extinction due to habitat destruction from logging and land development. Conservation policies should include strict regulations on logging and land development in areas rich in biodiversity. Supporting local conservation initiatives can help protect endangered species.

How to Conserve Endangered Plants

1. Habitat Protection

Protecting natural habitats is the most effective way to conserve endangered plants. This involves establishing protected areas, such as national parks and nature reserves, and enforcing laws against habitat destruction.

2. Sustainable Practices

Promoting sustainable agricultural and forestry practices can reduce the impact on native plant populations. This includes controlled harvesting, agroforestry, and organic farming methods that do not harm the environment.

3. Restoration Projects

Restoring degraded habitats can help bring back extinct or endangered plant species. This involves replanting native vegetation, removing invasive species, and rehabilitating soil and water quality.

4. Ex-situ Conservation

Ex-situ conservation involves preserving plant species outside their natural habitats. Botanical gardens, seed banks, and tissue culture labs play a crucial role in this by maintaining living collections and genetic material for future reintroduction efforts.

5. Research and Education

Scientific research is essential to understand the biology and ecology of endangered plants. Education and awareness programs can engage the public and encourage participation in conservation efforts.

6. Legal Protection

Enforcing laws and regulations that protect endangered species and their habitats is vital. International agreements, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, provide a framework for global conservation efforts.

7. Climate Change Mitigation

Addressing climate change is crucial for the long-term conservation of plant species. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting climate-resilient conservation strategies can help protect plants from the adverse effects of climate change.

The extinction of plant species is a significant loss to our planet’s biodiversity. By understanding the reasons behind these extinctions and taking proactive measures, we can prevent further losses and protect the rich diversity of plant life that sustains all ecosystems. Conservation is not just about saving individual species; it is about maintaining the balance of nature and ensuring a healthy planet for future generations. Through habitat protection, sustainable practices, restoration projects, ex-situ conservation, research, education, community involvement, legal protection, and climate change mitigation, we can create a world where plants thrive and continue to support life on Earth.