Economic Importance of Endemic Species 



The economic possibilities of endemic tree species 

 merit special attention. Many of these endemic trees are 

 poorly known, except to scientists and local residents. 

 Some may have unknown values. Wider planting later 

 would provide further insurance against extinction. 



The 2-volume reference contains Special Lists (12, p. 

 19-20; 15, p. 32-33) of tree species with distinctive 

 characters, special features, and uses. There are planting 

 lists of trees for particular purposes. Endemic species can 

 be found under their numbers. 



Many endemic trees have advantages when planted 

 outside their native ranges in being resistant to disease 

 and insect pests of unrelated species and in being 

 separated from their own parasites. Some species may 

 have special chemical compounds of commercial impor- 

 tance, possibly medicines, and merit screening tests or 

 sampling. Others may serve in tree breeding, such as pro- 

 duction of superior hybrids with related species 

 elsewhere. 



The endemic trees are mainly small or shrubby, but a 

 few attain large size. Several species of native trees have 

 woods adapted to special uses. Magnolia splendens, 

 laurel sabino, has a very attractive olive green heartwood 

 when freshly cut, later becoming brown. The wood is used 

 almost entirely for furniture and cabinetwork. Other 

 endemics of Luquillo Mountains with useful timbers in 

 limited supply include Calycogonium squamulosum, 

 jusillo; Eugenia stahlii, guayabota; and Micropholis gar- 

 ciniifolia, caimitillo verde. 



Various endemic tree species are recommended for 

 shade and ornament. Several have large showy flowers 

 with a wide display of coloration. Maga (Montezuma 

 speciosissima), with large red flowers, decorates the cover 

 of the first volume. Violeta or violet-tree (Polygala 

 cowellii), on the covers of the second volume and this 

 report, has masses of blossoms as named. 



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