Arahara
Phylloxylon xiphocladum
Arahara (Phylloxylon xiphocladum) is a distinctive woody shrub or small tree characterized by its sword-like, flattened branch segments that function as photosynthetic organs in place of traditional leaves. This unique morphological adaptation allows it to thrive in arid environments while serving as an important structural component in its native ecosystem, providing shelter and nesting sites for various small vertebrates and invertebrates.
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) amantedarmanin, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Fabales
Family
Fabaceae
Genus
Phylloxylon
Arahara belongs to the family Fabaceae, order Fabales, within the Magnoliopsida class.
Species Profile
Arahara (Phylloxylon xiphocladum) is a distinctive woody shrub or small tree characterized by its sword-like, flattened branch segments that function as photosynthetic organs in place of traditional leaves. This unique morphological adaptation allows it to thrive in arid environments while serving as an important structural component in its native ecosystem, providing shelter and nesting sites for various small vertebrates and invertebrates.
Arahara (Phylloxylon xiphocladum) is primarily threatened by habitat loss and degradation due to agricultural expansion, urban development, and invasive plant species in its native Mascarene Islands range. The species' extremely limited distribution and small population size make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and human activities.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Arahara inhabits rocky outcrops and well-drained slopes in semi-arid scrublands, typically growing on shallow, mineral-rich soils between 300-800 meters elevation. It is commonly found in association with other drought-adapted vegetation along ridgelines and exposed hillsides where water drainage is rapid.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Arahara (Phylloxylon xiphocladum) is primarily threatened by habitat loss and degradation due to agricultural expansion, urban development, and invasive plant species in its native Mascarene Islands range. The species' extremely limited distribution and small population size make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and human activities.
Habitat loss from agricultural expansion
Invasive plant species competition
Urban development and infrastructure
Climate change impacts
Small population size and genetic bottlenecks
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Arahara (Phylloxylon xiphocladum). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/arahara-2976434