Majaguin
Peltaea speciosa
The Majaguin (Peltaea speciosa) is a striking tropical shrub endemic to Caribbean coastal regions, characterized by its distinctive shield-shaped leaves with silvery undersides and clusters of bright orange tubular flowers. This species serves as a critical pollinator plant for endemic hummingbirds and provides essential nesting habitat for several threatened bird species in its native ecosystem.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Malvales
Family
Malvaceae
Genus
Peltaea
Majaguin belongs to the family Malvaceae, order Malvales, within the Magnoliopsida class.
Species Profile
The Majaguin (Peltaea speciosa) is a striking tropical shrub endemic to Caribbean coastal regions, characterized by its distinctive shield-shaped leaves with silvery undersides and clusters of bright orange tubular flowers. This species serves as a critical pollinator plant for endemic hummingbirds and provides essential nesting habitat for several threatened bird species in its native ecosystem.
Peltaea speciosa (Majaguin) faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural expansion in its limited range. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, while its specialized habitat requirements further compound conservation challenges.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Majaguin thrives in sandy coastal scrublands and limestone cliff faces within 500 meters of the shoreline, typically growing in well-drained soils with high salt tolerance. The species requires partial shade from coastal mangroves or rocky outcroppings and depends on seasonal freshwater seepage from underground springs.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Peltaea speciosa (Majaguin) faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural expansion in its limited range. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, while its specialized habitat requirements further compound conservation challenges.
Agricultural expansion and land conversion
Habitat loss and deforestation
Small population size and restricted range
Climate change impacts on specialized habitat
Habitat fragmentation
Community Sightings
Report a sightingNo community sightings yet. Be the first to report!
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). Majaguin (Peltaea speciosa). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/majaguin