Conservation
Navaea phoenicea - stamineal column © Christopher J S Davis
Populations of Navaea phoenicea occur in plant-community habitats of interest, and fall within 2 rural parks of northern Tenerife that are protected by law. They are:
- Anaga in the east
- Teno in the west, where it is very rare
Some of these rather restricted areas are also affected by intense agricultural use, putting it in grave danger of extinction, and for these reasons this species meets the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria for endangered status.
Its propagation is slow and difficult, which seems to be an important factor limiting recruitment and expansion.
Though rarely grown in gardens, it is of great interest as an ornamental species due to its flowering period and abundance.
Management
Proposed methods of conservation include:
- increased vigilance and effective protection of areas where this species is found
- studies following population growth
- reconstruction of habitat
- cultivation, micro-propagation and reintroduction into the most threatened populations
- conserving seeds in germplasm banks
- propagation for use in gardens
Threats
The principal threats to Navaea phoenicea are:
- grazing
- predation, especially by goats
- competition with exotic species
