EN

Platymiscium speciosum

Declining

Overview

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

Platymiscium speciosum faces severe pressure from selective logging due to its highly valued timber, which is prized for fine furniture and musical instruments. Deforestation for agricultural expansion and cattle ranching has fragmented its remaining forest habitat across Central America. The species' slow growth rate and limited regeneration capacity make recovery particularly challenging once populations are depleted.

Threat summary

Habitat

This tropical hardwood tree inhabits lowland and montane rainforests from Mexico through Central America to northern South America. It typically grows in primary and secondary forests at elevations up to 1,500 meters, preferring well-drained soils in areas with high annual rainfall.

Other threatened species in FABACEAE

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Lonchocarpus crassispermus

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CR

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Senna saeri

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Senna viciifolia

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Platymiscium speciosum classified as Endangered?
Platymiscium speciosum 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. Platymiscium speciosum faces severe pressure from selective logging due to its highly valued timber, which is prized for fine furniture and musical instruments. Deforestation for agricultural expansion and cattle ranching has fragmented its remaining forest habitat across Central America. The species' slow growth rate and limited regeneration capacity make recovery particularly challenging once populations are depleted.
Where does Platymiscium speciosum live?
Platymiscium speciosum 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 Platymiscium speciosum?
The main threats to Platymiscium speciosum 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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