EN

Arabo jiba

Erythroxylum roigii

Unknown

Overview

Arabo jiba (Erythroxylum roigii) is a rare shrub or small tree species endemic to specific regions of the Caribbean, characterized by small oval leaves and tiny white flowers typical of the coca family. This woody plant plays an important ecological role as a food source for local pollinators and contributes to the structural diversity of native forest understories.

Erythroxylum roigii faces severe threats primarily from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited range in Cuba. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with small population sizes increasing extinction risk from stochastic events.

Threat summary

Habitat

Erythroxylum roigii inhabits dry to semi-humid limestone forests and coastal scrublands, typically growing on rocky soils and limestone outcrops. The species is adapted to well-drained calcareous substrates in areas with seasonal rainfall patterns.

Other threatened species in Erythroxylaceae

CR

Erythroxylum horridum

Unknown
CR

Erythroxylum dumosum

Unknown
CR

Erythroxylum baracoense

Unknown
VU

Rufous False Cocaine

Erythroxylum rufum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Arabo jiba classified as Endangered?
Arabo jiba is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Erythroxylum roigii faces severe threats primarily from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited range in Cuba. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with small population sizes increasing extinction risk from stochastic events.
Where does Arabo jiba live?
Arabo jiba occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Arabo jiba?
The main threats to Arabo jiba are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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