CR

Buxus serpentinicola

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Buxus serpentinicola faces severe threats from mining activities that directly destroy its specialized serpentine soil habitat in Cuba. The species' extremely restricted range makes it highly vulnerable to habitat degradation from quarrying operations and infrastructure development. Agricultural expansion and invasive plant species further threaten the remaining populations of this endemic boxwood.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Cuban boxwood is restricted to serpentine soils in eastern Cuba, particularly in the Sierra Maestra region. It grows in specialized plant communities adapted to the unique chemical composition of serpentine substrates, which are naturally low in nutrients and high in heavy metals.

Other threatened species in Buxaceae

CR

Buxus rheedioides

Unknown
CR

Buxus acunae

Unknown
CR

Buxus imbricata

Unknown
CR

Buxus cubana

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Buxus serpentinicola classified as Critically Endangered?
Buxus serpentinicola is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Buxus serpentinicola faces severe threats from mining activities that directly destroy its specialized serpentine soil habitat in Cuba. The species' extremely restricted range makes it highly vulnerable to habitat degradation from quarrying operations and infrastructure development. Agricultural expansion and invasive plant species further threaten the remaining populations of this endemic boxwood.
Where does Buxus serpentinicola live?
Buxus serpentinicola 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 Buxus serpentinicola?
The main threats to Buxus serpentinicola 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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