Cercocarpus traskiae, known by the common names Santa Catalina Island mountain-mahogany and Catalina mahogany, is a rare species of plant in the rose family.
It was rare at the time of its discovery by Blanche Trask in 1897[6] or 1898,[4] when about 40[6] to 50[4] plants were counted.[5]
When it was proposed for federal listing as an endangered species, in 1996, there were only six mature plants remaining.[4] It has been called "one of the rarest shrubs in the continental United States"[6] and "one of the rarest trees in North America."[5]
Description
Cercocarpus traskiae is a large shrub or tree that grows up to 8 metres (26 ft) in height. The leaves have thick, leathery oval blades with serrated edges and woolly-haired undersides. The leathery, woolly texture of the leaves distinguishes it from other Cercocarpus.[7] The inflorescence is a cluster of up to 10 flowers which do not have petals. Plants do not always flower each year.[5]
While there are sometimes many seedlings noted, the seedling survival rate and rate of recruitment are quite low.[5] As of 2007, there are only seven adult trees capable of reproduction, all located in Wild Boar Gully, and most of these are very old.[5]
Conservation
The Catalina Island mountain mahogany is threatened by ungulates such as deer, and feral goats and pigs.[5] Introduced goats have been removed from the island. Introduced mule deer remain on Catalina Island and may threaten the survival of the species.[8] Fencing has been placed to prevent the remaining animals from touching the plants.[5]
This rare species hybridizes with its relative, Cercocarpus betuloides, a situation that may lead to genetic swamping of the rare plant.[7] This hybridization may be made more likely by the animals' disturbance of the habitat.[5] Many of the seedlings and saplings growing today may be hybrids.[5]
The population of pure Cercocarpus traskiae is not increasing and the species is entirely dependent on human intervention today.[1][5]
