Majaguilla de costa
Helicteres trapezifolia
Majaguilla de costa (Helicteres trapezifolia) is a rare shrub or small tree species belonging to the Malvaceae family, characterized by its distinctive trapezoid-shaped leaves and small, twisted seed capsules typical of the Helicteres genus. This endemic plant plays an important ecological role in coastal and lowland forest ecosystems, providing nectar for pollinators and serving as habitat for various invertebrates.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Malvales
Family
Malvaceae
Genus
Helicteres
Majaguilla de costa belongs to the family Malvaceae, order Malvales, within the Magnoliopsida class.
Species Profile
Majaguilla de costa (Helicteres trapezifolia) is a rare shrub or small tree species belonging to the Malvaceae family, characterized by its distinctive trapezoid-shaped leaves and small, twisted seed capsules typical of the Helicteres genus. This endemic plant plays an important ecological role in coastal and lowland forest ecosystems, providing nectar for pollinators and serving as habitat for various invertebrates.
Helicteres trapezifolia faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from coastal development and agricultural expansion along its limited range. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with remaining populations fragmented and isolated.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Helicteres trapezifolia inhabits coastal forests, dry scrublands, and forest edges in lowland areas, typically growing in well-drained soils near shorelines. The species is adapted to salt-tolerant conditions and is often found in transitional zones between coastal vegetation and inland dry forests.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Helicteres trapezifolia faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from coastal development and agricultural expansion along its limited range. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with remaining populations fragmented and isolated.
Agricultural expansion and land conversion
Coastal development and urbanization
Habitat fragmentation
Small population size and genetic bottlenecks
Climate change and sea level rise
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). Majaguilla de costa (Helicteres trapezifolia). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/majaguilla-de-costa