Earth's Extremely Threatened Flowers

Among the many hundreds of thousands of species in the world, Earth’s Extremely Threatened Flowers continue to hold a very special place in our hearts. Flowers rank among the most beautiful of Nature’s creations, yet many also remain extremely fragile, and now face numerous threats. Herein, we present to you a small collection of some of those flowers that currently find themselves in grave peril of extinction.

Rosy Periwinkle

Rosy Periwinkle Facts

Heading our list of Earth’s Extremely Threatened Flowers, the Rosy Periwinkle forms a beautiful plant with incredible botanical usefulness.
Given that it sits atop our list, it also holds the distinction of being quite rare and endangered.
The plant also understandably became quite popular as an ornamental plant. Despite its delicate appearance, however, it remains an extremely hardy species.
Sadly, it also has an extremely limited endemic range. Within that range, however, it now faces the threat of loss of habitat due to the practice of slash and burn agriculture.
Fortunately, though, this little beauty proved to be highly adaptable and successfully became naturalized in numerous other parts of the world.

Rosy Periwinkle Physical Description

The beautiful and also highly versatile Rosy Periwinkle presents itself as either a herbaceous plant or an evergreen shrub.

It also grows either vertically or runs along the ground, and sometimes attains heights of as much as 3.1 ft (1 m).

In addition, the delicate-seeming flowers of this marvelous plant appear either white with a red center or a dark pink.

The leaves typically display a glossy green in color, with a thick leathery texture.

The fruit of the Rosy Periwinkle develops as an elongated follicle, occurring in pairs. Like many plants in its family, the sap of this plant has the consistency of a thick, milky white latex.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Catharanthus
Species: C. roseus

Rosy Periwinkle Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The incredibly lovely Rosy Periwinkle grows endemically only on the island of Madagascar, itself extremely unique.

The delicate beauty of the plant also conceals a veritable cornucopia of chemical compounds. Some of the chemicals in the Rosy Periwinkle also have high toxicity, and ingestion of even a small amount can be fatal.

However, many of the other chemical compounds within the species prove invaluable in saving lives, making it highly useful.

Some of the diseases treated by a few of its compounds include a variety of cancers, diabetes, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and even malaria.

Sacramento Prickly Poppy

Sacramento Prickly Poppy Facts

Next, on our list of Earth’s Extremely Threatened Flowers, the Sacramento Prickly Poppy ranks as one flower you will think twice about picking.
This hesitation occurs due to the fact that virtually the entire plant has a covering of razor-sharp thorns.
Quite sadly, however, this beautiful but unique large flower currently lists as Highly Endangered with the IUCN.
While its original range remains unknown, it now exists only in 10 canyons in a highly remote area.
Sadly, despite conservation efforts, the numbers of the Sacramento Prickly Poppy continue to decline.
Also, fewer than 1,000 individual plants appear to still exist, largely due to a combination of fungal disease and drought conditions.

Sacramento Prickly Poppy Physical Description

Firstly, the beautiful Sacramento Prickly Poppy forms a large, herbaceous plant that may be either an annual or a perennial.

Secondly, the stems attain an extremely unusual vertical height of as much as 5 ft (1.5 m).

This species also remains renowned for the large thorns (known as prickles) that cover stems, leaves, and even the fruit.

Finally, the surprisingly lovely flowers display a bright white in color and may be as much as 5 in (12.5 cm) across.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Ranunculales
Family: Papaveraceae
Genus: Argemone
Species: A. pleiacantha

Sacramento Prickly Poppy Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The majority of the known populations of the Sacramento Prickly Poppy exist within the confines of the Lincoln National Forest, in California, in the United States.

In addition, it grows mostly on the rugged slopes of the canyons the plants appear in. The plant also appears to prefer loose, dry soil for its habitat.

Also, not many animals will feed on this species, and for good reasons. As if the dangerous thorns are not deterrent enough, the leaves and stems of the Sacramento Prickly Poppy will release a sticky, poisonous sap if broken.

Most notably, numerous organizations, including the U. S. Forest Service, are working together to preserve the Sacramento Prickly Poppy from extinction.

Several portions of the protected area have been designated as sites for attempted transplantation of new plants grown in greenhouses. However, efforts in this regard have so far proven to be largely unsuccessful.

Schweinitz Sunflower

Schweinitz Sunflower Facts

Third on our list of Earth’s Extremely Threatened Flowers, the Schweinitz Sunflower is an extremely rare variety of sunflower that also has an extremely limited habitat range.
Understandably, the U. S. Forest Service currently lists the plant as Endangered. As a result, however, the species has full protection by both local and federal law.
Further, only 90 populations of the lovely sunflower currently exist, and these average fewer than 40 individual flowers each.
This beautiful plant also bears the name of Lewis David von Schweinitz, who was a local clergyman and botanist (1780-1834).
Finally, the greatest threats to its continued existence appear to be habitat loss and competition from invasive species.

Schweinitz Sunflower Physical Description

The gorgeous Schweinitz Sunflower ranks a member of the Aster family and a perennial species.

Its stems average an amazing 6.5 ft (2 m) in size, yet can occasionally attain heights of as much as 16 ft (4.8 m). Unlike most varieties of sunflower, however, the blooms remain relatively small in size.

Uniquely, the long stems actually display a deep purple color, which many consider extraordinary. The leaves grow thick and quite stiff and grow arranged in pairs, while their surface has a rough texture These also develop covered in numerous small spines.

The relatively small flowers show bright yellow in color. Each plant generally produces 3-6 of these flowers, which typically bloom for 2-3 weeks, beginning in August.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Helianthus
Species: H. schweinitzii

Schweinitz Sunflower Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The Schweinitz Sunflower grows endemically in a highly restricted and specific habitat range. Its only known habitat consists of the Piedmont region of North Carolina and South Carolina, in the United States.

It is thought that this sunflower was once numerous in forests and grasslands. Today, the majority of its populations occur along roadsides.

In addition, the surprising plant may also be found in the few remaining regions of Carolina prairie.

Amazingly, it prefers to inhabit areas of poor soil, such as regions with high clay content and thrives in either full or partial sunlight.

Given that the majority of its remaining numbers exist along roadsides, highway maintenance is actually another leading threat to its existence.

Fairy Lantern

Fairy Lantern Facts

Next, on our list of Earth’s Extremely Threatened Flowers comes the truly gorgeous Fairy Lantern
Sadly, it also represents an extremely rare species of flowering plant that also lists as highly endangered.
It also forms part of the lily family of flowers, and sometimes goes by the name White Globe Lily, and the Mt. Diablo Lily.
This magnificent species also evolved as endemic to only a very small area, and, except for a few stragglers, occurs naturally on only one mountainside.
On occasion, a few of the aforementioned stragglers appear in neighboring counties.
However, these never seem to establish a permanent presence.

Fairy Lantern Physical Description

The rather ethereal looking Fairy Lantern classifies as a perennial herb. The plant also produces a rather long, branching stem, which generally attains a height of roughly 11.8 in (30 cm).

The lower leaves also typically grow longer than the stem itself. These average around 15.75 in (40 cm) in length, and remain throughout the life of the flower.

Generally, 2-3 other leaves also appear further up the stem. These commonly remain much shorter than the lower leaves and wither after the plant blooms.

The plant also may produce either a single bloom or a cluster of several, all of which may be either white, pink, or a pale yellow in color.

These blooms also typically develop spherical in shape, with the ends of the petals always touching each other and generally covered in fine hairs.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Monocots
Order: Lilliales
Family: Liliaceae
Genus: Calochortus
Species: C. albus

Fairy Lantern Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Most notably, the Fairy Lantern inhabits an extremely limited range, consisting solely of the slopes of Mt. Diablo, in California, in the United States, in North America.

In addition, this stunning little beauty primarily inhabits areas of woods, shady grasslands, coastal bluffs, and rocky areas.

The Fairy Lantern is also utterly unique within its genus in one respect. These delicate blooms never open, but remain in their bud-shaped form throughout the endurance of the bloom.

There is also a small fruit, that is contained within a small, elongated pod, typically measuring roughly 1 in (2.5 cm) in length.

Black Bat Flower

Black Bat Flower Facts

The fifth species on our list of Earth’s Extremely Threatened Flowers is the amazing Black Bat Flower, also known as the Tacca chantrieri.
It also represents a species of flowering plant that, believe it or not, forms a member of the yam family.
However, though not considered toxic, it is not considered edible, unlike its better-known relatives.
It forms a most unusual species in that the flowers show black in color. This ranks it as one of the few known flowers of which this holds true.
Many people consider the blooms to have a somewhat bat-like shape, hence the name. Though black is the predominant color, the flower does occasionally come in white or brown.
While it does not hold an official listing with the IUCN, most experts consider the species to be endangered. Climate change represents its greatest threat, due to its need for a highly specific type of habitat.

Black Bat Flower Physical Description

The Black Bat Flower typically attains a height of roughly 36 in (91 cm). It will also often develop tendrils that sometimes reach as much as 28 in (71 cm) in length.

However, the most impressive part of the plant remains its unique bloom. This distinctive bloom often reaches a width of as much as 12 in (30 cm), while the modified leaves reach lengths of as much as 28 in (71 cm) in length.

The wide bloom consists of 2 large dark brackets and the long modified leaves fork at the ends. The dark brackets look like wings, and the leaves resemble the whiskers of a bat, hence the name.

The other leaves of the plant develop a bright green color and have a very smooth texture. It also produces an underground bulb used to store nutrients.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Monocots
Order: Dioscoreales
Family: Dioscoreaceae
Genus: taca
Species: T. chantrieri

Black Bat Flower Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The remarkable Black Bat Flower developed as endemic to specific regions of Australia, Africa, and Southeast Asia, including Thailand and parts of China.

Sadly, however, all 10 known varieties of this plant have become extremely rare in the wild. Furthermore, efforts to cultivate the plant rarely succeed.

This unique flower requires very specific habitat types to flourish. Its primary natural habitat consists of areas of tropical jungle.

This astounding perennial also requires high levels of humidity, shade, and well-drained soil in order to truly thrive.

The various varieties bloom at different times, ranging from late Spring to early Fall. The genus blooms repeatedly, often as much as 8 times in a single season.

Blue Chilean Crocus

Blue Chilean Crocus Facts

Listing as the sixth species on our list of Earth’s Extremely Threatened Flowers is the breathtaking Blue Chilean Crocus.
Interestingly, despite the rather decptive name, the quite beautiful flower isn’t actually a crocus at all.
Botanists actually classify this remarkable species as a member of a rather different family of flowering plants.
Yet none can deny the delicate beauty of its blooms, regardless of its classification. Sadly, however, this same beauty consequently contributed to its near extinction in the wild, due to extensive over collecting.
Partially due to this over collecting, the plant was believed extinct in the wild, until its rediscovery in 2001. Overgrazing and general habitat loss also played a role in its near demise in the wild. Yet, only a few apparently remain in the wild.
While naturally occurring individuals near extinction, the species abounds in cultivation around the world. That’s because this beautiful plant has become very popular in numerous countries for landscaping and greenhouses.

Blue Chilean Crocus Physical Description

While not actually a crocus, the stunning Blue Chilean Crocus remains classified as a flowering perennial.

In addition, this small plant produces stems that average 4 in (10 cm) in height. Each of these develops 1-3 leaves that grow relatively long and elongated. These average 4 in (10 cm) in length, and 0.4 in (1 cm) in width, and display a bright green color.

Yet the flowers themselves rank as the most noteworthy feature of the species. These grow in a trumpet shape and may be either pale blue, deep blue, or even purple.

In the meantime, the fruit appears as a tiny, rounded capsule, and contains only a few, very small seeds. In addition, these often fall on rock and never germinate.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Tecophilaeaceae
Genus: Tecophileae
Species: T. cyanocrocus

Blue Chilean Crocus Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Firstly, the Blue Chilean Crocus only grows only in the country of Chile, in South America. And even there it currently now exists only in a few scattered locations.

This rare species only endemically inhabits a range restricted to altitudes ranging between 6,600 and 9,800 ft ( 2,000-3,000 m). Consequently, this range comprises extremely stony slopes in the Andes Mountains.

In its native habitat range, it blooms between October and November. However, natural propagation remains sparse, due to the nature of the environment and the tiny seed count per plant.

Yet, in cultivation, horticulturists accomplish this rather easily via the corms the plant produces. In its native range, its primary threats include habitat loss and climate change.

In conclusion, blooming typically requires about 5 years of growth.

Coespeletia Palustris

Coespeletia Palustris Facts

Next on our list of Earth’s Extremely Threatened Flowers is the stunning and also recently discovered Coespeletia Palustris.
Rather understandably, given its appearance, it forms a species of flower in the daisy family.
However, though long known to natives, this plant species previously remained unknown to science, until 2013.
While it does not yet hold status with the IUCN, it possesses an extremely limited known habitat range, as well as highly restricted numbers.
Since it has a rather particular habitat, it remains particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. This also further increases the risk of extinction for the remarkable variety of daisy.
The expedition that discovered this species estimated a total of no more than 400 plants combined in the several locations they discovered.

Coespeltia Palustris Physical Description

Understandably, very little detailed information remains available at this time about the newly recognized Coespeletia Palustris.

However, the flowers appear to average around 2.0-2.4 in (4.5-6 cm) in diameter and develop at the ends of long, tapering stalks.

Yet, the most remarkable feature of this variety remains the presence of fur-like fringe around the perimeter of the flower. The purpose of this also remains unknown at this time.

The inside of each bloom presents various shades of yellowish-brown, and the leaves grow relatively short and appear a whitish-green in color.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Coespeletia
Species: C. Palustris

Coespeletia Palustris Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Incredibly, the rather astonishing Coespeletia Palustris appears to solely inhabit an area measuring only 0.2 sq mi (0.5 sq km).

Furthermore, this truly isolated area lies in the remote Andes Mountains, in a rather rugged portion of Venezuela, in South America.

Also of note, its habitat consists of several areas of marshy paramo, which marks the region that lies above the continuous forest line, yet also below the permanent snow line.

In addition, the few marshy areas in which the Coespeletia Palustris appears to live in occur at altitudes between about 12,470-15,750 ft (3,800-4,800 m).

Impatiens Bequaertii

Impatiens Bequaertii Facts

And last, but certainly not least, on our list of Earth’s Extremely Threatened Flowers, is the beautiful Impatiens Bequaertii.
This species constitutes an extremely rare and beautiful species of flower that also boasts a unique appearance
It also forms a part of the Impatiens family and, rather surprisingly, has no acknowledged common name.
There remain roughly 300 positively identified species within the family and also nearly 900 other possible species still under investigation as potential new members.
However, despite being extremely rare, the IUCN has not yet assigned it a status. But exporting of the plant remains illegal, thankfully.

Impatiens Bequaertii Physical Description

The gorgeous Impatiens Bequaertii has a rather distinctive physical appearance, looking to many people like a tiny girl, dancing in a skirt.

In addition, this magnificent but quite diminutive perennial species only attains an average height of about 12 in (30 cm).

Also, its branches display a dark red color, the leaves have a heart-shaped appearance, and the lovely blooms only average 0.5 in (1.27 cm) in length.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Ericales
Family: Balsaminaceae
Genus: Impatiens

Impatiens Bequaertii Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The Impatiens Bequaertii also evolved as native to a very specific habitat type. This solely consists of the rainforest regions of eastern Africa where the endemic climate is relatively mild.

Yet even there, it typically restricts itself to specific areas. These include extremely damp areas, such as the edges of streams, bogs, and even on heavily mossed rocks.

Also, it most commonly inhabits an altitude range between 4,265 – 6,562 ft (1,300 -2,000 m).

The temperature of its habitat ranges between 45 F-80 F (6 C-26 C) and the relative humidity is over 40%.