“Critical danger”, this is how the state in which the vehicle is currently located is classified. honduran viburnum. This plant, belonging to the Adoxaceae family, It could disappear in a few years if we do nothing.
To better understand its value and how important it is to protect it, we have decided to make an article that helps us all get to know it a little better.
Origin and natural habitat of the viburnum hondurense
Commonly known as “copalchi”, This is a shrub native to Central America, more specifically Honduras. We can find it mainly in the tropical and subtropical forests of this region. Its growing areas range from Guatemala to Nicaragua, in areas with an altitude of between 1.100 and 1.400 meters above sea level.
It is a shrub that grows well in soils with high drainage capacity and shady locations. Precisely for this reason, It is common to find it in the wild on the edges of forests, in the body of streams or rivers and in scrub areas.
Physical characteristics
To identify it, you must pay attention to the following characteristics:
- Height and shape. It is a medium-sized shrub, which can measure between two and five meters in height. Its shape is usually upright and rounded, with spreading branches that often have an arched shape.
- Leaves. This is a plant with simple, opposite leaves that are lanceolate or oval in shape. With a shiny dark color on the upper side and a lighter tone on the underside. The margins have a toothed or serrated appearance, and can grow up to 12 centimeters long.
- Flowers. The flowers of the viburnum hondurense are small and white. They appear in spring in the shape of compound umbels, and their fragrance attracts a large number of pollinating insects.
- Fruits. The fruits of the copalchi are small, bright red berries, and each fruit contains a single seed. These berries are a source of food for birds, which also contributes to the expansion of the plant.
- Cortex. This shrub is characterized by its grayish bark, with an appearance that becomes rougher as the years go by.
- Stems. The stems are green and more flexible in their youth, with a tendency to become more woody and dark brown with the passage of time.
Why is the Honduran viburnum in danger of extinction?
This plant is in critical danger of disappearance in its natural habitat, something that is due to the fact that it is gradually disappearing due to human action.
Deforestation and land conversion
La deforestation It is one of the main causes that the natural habitat where this shrub grows is disappearing. The felling of trees for agriculture, livestock, or for the development of land, as well as land conversion, are destroying the forests in which it usually grows wild.
As a result, andhe viburnum hondurense has less space to develop and reproduce, causing the number of plants of this species to gradually reduce.
habitat fragmentation
There are cases in which human action does not completely destroy the natural habitat of this shrub, but fragmentation takes place that affects biodiversity and It leaves plants more exposed to predators and disease.
Any change in the ecosystem, such as soil or water contamination, or the arrival of invasive species, can alter the natural habitat and negatively influence the development of native plants.
Overexploitation
In addition to the above, the excessive harvesting to which the Honduran viburnum has been subjected It has also contributed to their declining numbers.
Due to the medicinal properties attributed to it, uncontrolled harvesting has been carried out. Phenomenon that has reduced natural populations and has put the long-term survival of this species at risk.
Climate Change
As for many other living beings, climate change is also a risk for this species. The rise in temperature and changes in precipitation patterns affect the habitat and the plant's ability to develop and survive.
Invasive species
Frequently, the arrival of invasive species puts the survival of native plant species at risk of a region. Because they represent important competition when it comes to accessing resources such as light, water and nutrients.
Honduran viburnum care
If you are wondering what the copalchi needs to grow strong and healthy, here are some ideas about its basic care.
Location
As we said before, this shrub prefers to be in shady areas, even in complete shade. If you are in a location where your leaves receive many hours of intense sunlight each day, The most normal thing is that these end up burning.
Land
The ideal planting medium for this species is one that has good drainage capacity and is rich in organic matter. Which is just what you find in the places where it grows wild.
Irrigation conditions
This is a plant that likes humidity, especially during the time of active growth and flowering.
But as you can imagine due to its need to be in well-drained soil, nor handles the accumulation of water in the roots very well. Therefore, waterlogging must be avoided.
Plagues and diseases
Aphids, mealybugs and scale are common pests for this plant, as well as fungal diseases such as powdery mildew.
Although this is a fairly resistant plant, a large infestation or infection could kill it.
Propagation
The seeds are found inside its fruits, but the truth is that this variety can also be reproduced through cuttings from its stem.
The viburnum hondurense is a beautiful and very important plant within its natural ecosystem. Therefore, it is essential to adopt measures to try to preserve it.