Prunus lusitanica ssp. lusitanica

Common Name: palo de loro
Scientific Name: Prunus lusitanica ssp. lusitanica
Categories: Endangered, Timber
Conservation Status: Endangered


Where is it found?

The only confirmed native location is in Basque France, in the Vallée des Aldudes.

In 2000, a group of 20 to 30 Prunus lusitanica ssp. lusitanica was found at 850m in the vallée d'Ossau, near Bitet, in the Parc national des Pyrénées. This population has not been confirmed to be native, however, it is situated far from any garden or park and appears ‘ancient’ as the group includes an old, dry stump.

This sub-species is also fully naturalised in New Zealand though and is considered a weedy exotic. It is also listed in the Global Compendium of Weeds

Why is it threatened?

The species has an extremely limited range. Areas of the Vallée des Aldudes burned in 1990, however the majority of the individuals seem to have sprouted from the base.

What conservation action is needed?

Prunus lusitanica is fully protected in France (on the National List) by Ministerial decree of 20 January 1982, in which destruction, collection and sale are prohibited. The first locality has not benefited from any particular management. The new locality in the national park will be monitored and management needs prescribed by the park's scientific service.