Bariaco

Trichilia triacantha

Description

An evergreen shrub or small tree, bariaco, Trichilia triacantha may reach up to 30 ft (9.1 m) in height and 3 in (7.6 cm) in diameter. The alternate leaves are shiny dark green, leathery, and clustered at the ends of twigs. Each compound leaf is three-to seven-parted with the leaflets appearing to be arranged palmately and bearing three stiff, sharp spines at their apex. The white flowers are symmetrical and bisexual. Bariaco has been observed in flower from January to March, the dry season in the Guanica Forest. Flower production is abundant but fruit set appears to be poor. Pollination mechanisms are not known; however, other members of this genus are wind and/or insect pollinated. Seedlings are only rarely observed.

Habitat

Bariaco is found in the deciduous and the semi-evergreen seasonal forests of the subtropical dry forest life zone of southwestern Puerto Rico at elevations of less than 340 ft (103.6 m). Extensive areas of this life zone overlie limestone, including the area in which T. triacantha is found. Mean annual precipitation is approximately 31 in (78.7 cm). These forest types typically consist of two tree or shrub strata. Trees in the upper strata of the deciduous forest reach 30 ft (9.1 m) in height. Species without spines are dominant and most are deciduous and microphyllous. Common emergent species include Bucida buceras (ucar) and Bursera simaruba (almacigo). Bariaco is found in the lower strata associated with common species such as Coccoloba microstachya (uvillo), Krugiodendron ferreum (palo de hierro), Amyris elemifera (tea), and Pisonia albida (corcho). Soils in the semi-evergreen forests retain greater moisture, trees are somewhat taller and a larger number of evergreen species are found.

Distribution

Bariaco is endemic to Puerto Rico and is restricted to dry limestone forests of the southwestern portion of the island. Approximately 40 individuals are currently known to exist in two areas: the Guanica Commonwealth Forest and Punta Guaniquilla. First discovered in 1899, the tree was not sighted again until the 1960s when it was spotted at Punta Guaniquilla (near Boqueron), and in Guanica Commonwealth Forest. One population has been reported from the Guayanilla hills near Penuelas; however, that population has apparently been extirpated by woodcutting and road construction.

Threats

Because of the rarity of this species, it could easily be eliminated through woodcutting, flash-flooding, and taking. Its wood is known for hardness, durability, and color, which makes it particularly valuable for utilitarian purposes. It has been affected in the past by deforestation for urban development, agriculture, grazing, charcoal production, and the cutting of wood for fence posts.

Conservation and Recovery

Because of the rarity of this species, it could easily be eliminated through woodcutting, flash-flooding, and taking. Its wood is known for hardness, durability, and color, which makes it particularly valuable for utilitarian purposes. It has been affected in the past by deforestation for urban development, agriculture, grazing, charcoal production, and the cutting of wood for fence posts.

Contacts

Regional Office of Endangered Species
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
1875 Century Blvd., Suite 200
Atlanta, Georgia 30345
http://southeast.fws.gov/

Boqueron Ecological Services Field Office
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
P. O. Box 491
Boqueron, Puerto Rico 00622-0491
Telephone: (787) 851-7297
Fax: (787) 851-7440

References

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1988. "Determination of endangered status for the plant Trichilia triacantha (Bariaco)." Federal Register 53(24):3565-3567.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1991. "Bariaco (Trichilia triacantha ) recovery plan." Atlanta, Georgia. 21 pp.

Vivaldi, J.L. and R. O. Woodbury. 1981." Status report on Trichilia triacantha Urban." Unpublished report submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, Georgia. 34 pp.