Texas Ayenia
Endangered
What is it?
- Texas ayenia is a small shrub and is a member of the chocolate family (Sterculiaceae).
- Found in the Tx/US territories.
- Texas ayenia has been found in a variety of alluvial soil types, ranging from heavy clay to fine sandy loam.
Texas ayenia is a small shrub, typically from 1 to 3 feet (30 to 92 centimeters) in height. The heart-shaped leaves have finely-toothed margins.
Location
- The known populations range from Soto la Marina, in east-central Tamaulipas, Mexico and 200 mile north to Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy counties, Texas
Plant/ Flower
- The plant will flower throughout the year if there is sufficient rainfall.
Flower
- The flowers have five green sepals and five pale-green to cream colored, kidney-shaped petals. The fruit is a five-chambered capsule covered with recurved, velcro-like hairs
SAVE THE PLANT!!!
Exists in the United States in only one population containing approximately 20 individuals in Hidalgo county, Texas
Threats:
• Agriculture
• Small genetic pool
• Habitat destruction due to development
• Introduction of non-native pasture grasses
• Herbicides used on pastures
• Irrigation, flood control, dam construction, water pollution, water quality degradation
• Human trampling, collection
- There is not much we can do help this plant, scientists are still trying to find a way to keep this plant alive and getting to to repopulate.