Majagua
Oxandra espintana
Majagua (Oxandra espintana) is a rare tropical tree species belonging to the Annonaceae family, characterized by its distinctive elongated leaves and small, fragrant flowers that develop into aggregate fruits. This endemic species plays a crucial role in its ecosystem as a food source for specialized frugivorous birds and insects, while also contributing to forest canopy structure and local nutrient cycling.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Magnoliales
Family
Annonaceae
Genus
Oxandra
Majagua belongs to the family Annonaceae, order Magnoliales, within the Magnoliopsida class.
Species Profile
Majagua (Oxandra espintana) is a rare tropical tree species belonging to the Annonaceae family, characterized by its distinctive elongated leaves and small, fragrant flowers that develop into aggregate fruits. This endemic species plays a crucial role in its ecosystem as a food source for specialized frugivorous birds and insects, while also contributing to forest canopy structure and local nutrient cycling.
Oxandra espintana is critically endangered primarily due to severe habitat loss and fragmentation from agricultural expansion and urban development in its extremely limited range in Cuba. The species has a very small population size and restricted distribution, making it highly vulnerable to any environmental changes or human activities in its habitat.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Oxandra espintana inhabits humid lowland and montane forests, typically growing in well-drained soils along forest edges and in secondary growth areas with partial canopy cover. The species shows preference for areas with consistent moisture levels and protection from direct sunlight during its juvenile stages.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Oxandra espintana is critically endangered primarily due to severe habitat loss and fragmentation from agricultural expansion and urban development in its extremely limited range in Cuba. The species has a very small population size and restricted distribution, making it highly vulnerable to any environmental changes or human activities in its habitat.
Agricultural expansion
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Restricted geographic range
Small population size
Urban development
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). Majagua (Oxandra espintana). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/majagua