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MAGNOLIA YARUMALENSIS
Common Name: Almanegra de Yarumal, Bonigo, Gallinzo Morado;
Scientific Name: Magnolia yarumalensis
Categories: Timber, Rainforest, Cloudforest;
Introduction
Magnolia yarumalensis is a rainforest tree that comes from the Antioquia and Risaralda Regions of Colombia. This region is one of the most diverse areas in the world for magnolias, with 16 species present there. However, most of these species are now endangered, owing to unsustainable harvesting for their high quality timber. However, conservation projects are now being implemented by Jardin Botanico ‘Joaquin Antonio Uribe’, with the aim of repopulating areas of natural distribution.
Why is this species important?
This species is very important to the economies of the regions where it is found, owing to the high demand for the trees’ timber. However, this is also one of the primary reasons why this species is now considered Endangered.
Where is it found?
This species is found in two different areas in Colombia. One population grows on the central Andean plateau in the Antioquia region. It is found growing here along the lower reaches of the Medellin and Porce Rivers. It is also found growing on the western Andean plateau occupying a range that spans across from south-west Antioquia to the north of the Risaralda region. This species occupies the canopy or grows as an emergent tree in both sub-Andean rainforest and Andean cloud forest between 1,800 and 2,800m in altitude. It can be seen in preserved fragments of primary forest and can also regenerate naturally in secondary rainforest.
How do people use it?
This species is used in many different ways both by local communities and at a wider regional level. The wood is most commonly used for roofs and flooring in houses, for making broom handles and sometimes for making furniture.
Why is it threatened?
This species is considered Endangered, because populations have reduced by more than 50% in recent years. The populations in central Antioquia are found growing only in small fragments of secondary rainforest. Habitat destruction is a significant problem, with land being cleared for cultivation and dairy farming. The most endangered population is in the north, where Magnolia yarumalensis is represented only by individual trees also growing in small forest patches.
What conservation action is needed?
In 2008, the Jardin Botanico ‘Joaquin Antonio Uribe’ in Medellin, Colombia started repopulation trials of this species in areas of natural distribution. Raising awareness about this species is very important, particularly among the farming community in the region. Rapid protection of the population growing in the municipality of Barbosa needs to be implemented, because this is one of the only ones that is showing natural regeneration. For the populations growing in south-west Antioquia, it is vital to control exploitation of the species, because the individuals growing in this area are significantly genetically different to others growing elsewhere.
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to BGCI for writing this profile.
Selected references
Garcia, Nestor (Ed.) (2007) Libro Rojo de Plantas de Colombia: Volumen 5: Las Magnoliaceas, Las Miristicaceas y las Podocarpaceas, ARFO Editores e Impresores Ltda;
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