Sideroxylon marginata

Common Name: el marmulano
Scientific Name: Sideroxylon marginata
Categories: Timber, Endangered
Conservation Status: Endangered (Unassessed Globally)


Where is it found?

The species is endemic to the Cape Verde Islands: Sto. Antão, S. Vicente, S. Nicolau, Boavista, Santiago, Fogo and Brava. In 1935, Chevalier collected and observed it on various locations where it no longer exists. Today the species is only found growing on steep cliffs and it is unknown which plant communities S. marginata may have been associated with.

How do people use it?

The tree has hardy wood and makes good quality firewood.

Why is it threatened?

In the Red Data Book of Cape Verde (Leyens & Lobin (eds.) 1996) S. marginata is classified as "Endangered", many populations consisting of only a few individuals. It is at severe risk of extinction on the islands of S. Vicente, S. Nicolau, Santiago and Brava and is classified as Critically Endangered. Where humans have access to the tree populations, the number of individuals continues to decline. Due to human pressure on the islands of S. Vicente, S. Nicolau, Santiago and Brava, these populations are described as ‘relictual’.

What conservation action is needed?

The main populations of the species are in one or more protected areas on the island and national law protects the species from picking and uprooting. Efforts have been made on the island to make people aware of the plant and the need for its conservation.

_________________________________________________________