Skip to main content

Ten Extinct Plants from the planet earth

Extinct plants refer to plant species that no longer exist in the wild or anywhere on the planet. These plants have permanently disappeared from the Earth due to various reasons, such as habitat destruction, over harvesting, invasive species, climate change, or a combination of factors. The extinction of plant species is a significant concern as it impacts biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and the overall health of the planet.

Extinct plants can include trees, shrubs, flowers, and other types of vegetation. Some extinct plants have cultural or historical significance, while others may have held ecological importance in specific ecosystems. When a plant species becomes extinct, it means that its genetic diversity and unique characteristics are lost forever.

Efforts are made to document and preserve extinct plant species through herbarium collections, seed banks, and other conservation methods. Additionally, conservationists focus on protecting endangered plant species to prevent them from becoming extinct in the future.

The extinction of plants can have cascading effects on other organisms that depend on them for food, shelter, or other ecological interactions. Therefore, understanding and addressing the causes of plant extinction are crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems and preserving biodiversity for future generations. Here are the ten plants which extinct from earth.

  1. Franklinia alatamaha: Also known as the Franklin tree, this plant was discovered by botanists John Bartram and his son William in the 18th century in Georgia, USA. It was named after Benjamin Franklin, but is now extinct in the wild due to habitat loss.

 

  1. Silphium perfoliatum: Also known as cup plant or Indian cup, this species was once common in the Midwest of the United States. It was used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes, but is now extinct due to habitat loss and overharvesting.

 

  1. Stenocarpus sinuatus: Also known as the firewheel tree, this species was native to Queensland, Australia. It was used for timber and ornamental purposes, but is now extinct in the wild due to logging and habitat destruction.

 

  1. Erythrina woodii: Also known as the Erythrina tree, this plant was native to KwaZulu-  Natal in South Africa. It had bright red flowers and was named after John Medley Wood, who discovered it. It is now extinct in the wild due to habitat loss.

 

  1. Toromiro: This species of tree was once found on Easter Island, but is now extinct in   the wild. It was used by the Rapa Nui people for building canoes and houses, but was overexploited and destroyed.

 

  1. Pterocarpus erinaceus: Also known as the sahel rosewood, this tree was once found in  the Sahel region of Africa. It was used for timber and medicine, but is now extinct due to overharvesting and habitat loss.

 

  1. Acmopyle sahniana: This species of tree was native to New Caledonia. It had a distinctive shape with a narrow trunk and broad canopy, but is now extinct due to habitat destruction and introduced pests.

 

  1. Cylindrocline lorencei: This plant was native to the island of Maui in Hawaii. It had  small, yellow flowers and was named after botanist Warren L. Wagner's colleague, David H. Lorence. It is now extinct due to habitat loss and invasive species.

 

  1. Hibiscadelphus woodii: This plant was native to Hawaii and had large, white flowers. It was named after John Medley Wood, who discovered it, but is now extinct due to habitat destruction and introduced pests.

 

  1. Pseudotsuga lindleyana: Also known as the Mexican Douglas-fir, this tree was native  to Mexico. It was used for timber and paper production, but is now extinct due to overharvesting and habitat loss.

 It's important to note that the extinction of plant species is a loss to biodiversity and can disrupt ecosystems and ecological balance. Conservation efforts and protection of endangered plant species are essential to prevent further extinctions.

Comments

Most visited

The Book of Life – From a Seed to a Star: A Journey Through the Pages of Growing Up

By Andrews Elsan   When a child is born, their book lies open — blank, pure, and waiting to be written. This metaphor, simple yet profound, captures one of life's most beautiful truths: we are all authors of our own stories, and the narrative we create shapes the person we become. From the first breath to the moment we step into adulthood, life unfolds like a magnificent novel, each chapter revealing new characters, challenges, and revelations. The First Pages: Colors of Innocence Each day, a new page turns. The first pages are filled with colors of innocence, laughter, and curiosity. A baby's first smile, the wonder in their eyes as they discover their own hands, the pure joy of hearing a familiar voice – these are the opening lines of every human story. In these early pages, the world is magical. Everything is new, everything matters, and every sensation writes itself into memory with vivid intensity. A butterfly's flight becomes an epic adventure. A mother's embra...

⚕️ World Radiology Day 🌍 - November 8

📅 Observed: November 8 🔬 Celebrating the Power of Medical Imaging World Radiology Day is celebrated every year on November 8 to mark the anniversary of the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen in 1895—a revolutionary moment that transformed medicine forever. Organized globally by the International Society of Radiology (ISR) and national radiological societies, this day honors radiologists, radiographers, and imaging technologists who play a crucial role in diagnosis and treatment across all branches of medicine. 🧠 Why Radiology Matters Radiology is far more than just X-rays. It includes: CT scans MRI Ultrasound Nuclear medicine Interventional radiology These techniques are non-invasive , accurate, and life-saving , aiding in the early detection of cancer, heart disease, neurological conditions , and countless other ailments. 🎯 2025 Theme: “Artificial Intelligence in Radiology: Enhancing Human Insight” This year’s theme explores the role of AI an...

🧠Why Middle School Matters: The Truth About Friendships, Distractions, and Social Barriers in School

  W hy M iddle School Matters: The Truth About Friendships, Distractions, and Social Barriers in School By Andrews Elsan Middle school — particularly Classes 6, 7, and 8 — is more than just a time of changing textbooks and growing taller. It’s a critical phase in a student’s journey where study habits, friendships, confidence, and values begin to form deeply . Yet, during this stage, many students start to drift away from consistency in studies, often due to wrong influences, distractions, or rigid social expectations — sometimes even unintentionally encouraged by parents and society. 📚 Why Some Students Lose Focus in Classes 6–8 This phase marks a major transition from childhood to adolescence. Here's what often changes: Subjects become harder — Science splits into Physics, Chemistry, Biology; Social Science becomes more complex. Students begin searching for identity and peer approval . The desire to be “cool” or liked can sometimes matter mo...