Bariaco: Puerto Rico’s Critically Endangered Native Shrub
Meet the bariaco (Trichilia triacantha), one of Puerto Rico’s rarest native shrubs that desperately needs our attention. This endangered beauty represents both the incredible biodiversity of the Caribbean and the urgent conservation challenges facing our native plants today.
A Rare Gem from Puerto Rico
Bariaco is endemic to Puerto Rico, meaning it grows naturally nowhere else on Earth. This perennial shrub typically reaches 13 to 16 feet in height, though it can grow taller under ideal conditions. Like other shrubs, it develops multiple stems from or near the ground, creating a bushy, multi-branched appearance that adds structure to tropical landscapes.
Currently, bariaco is found only in Puerto Rico, making it a true island treasure.
Why Bariaco Matters (And Why You Should Care)
Here’s where things get serious: bariaco has a Global Conservation Status of S1, which means it’s critically imperiled. With typically five or fewer known occurrences and very few remaining individuals (fewer than 1,000), this shrub is teetering on the edge of extinction. In the United States, it’s officially listed as Endangered.
Important Conservation Note: If you’re considering growing bariaco, please only obtain plants or seeds from reputable conservation organizations or botanical institutions with proper permits. Never collect from wild populations.
Growing Conditions and Care
As a Puerto Rican native, bariaco thrives in tropical conditions and is suited for USDA hardiness zones 10-11. While specific growing requirements are still being studied due to its rarity, here’s what we know:
- Prefers warm, tropical climates year-round
- Likely needs well-draining soil similar to other Trichilia species
- Requires consistent moisture without waterlogging
- Benefits from protection from strong winds
Garden Role and Landscape Design
Bariaco works best in specialized settings rather than typical home gardens:
- Conservation gardens focused on endangered species
- Botanical gardens with Caribbean plant collections
- Educational landscapes highlighting Puerto Rican biodiversity
- Native plant restoration projects (with proper permits)
Its shrub form provides mid-story structure in tropical landscapes, bridging the gap between ground covers and canopy trees.
Supporting Conservation Efforts
While most gardeners won’t be able to grow bariaco directly, there are meaningful ways to support its conservation:
- Support organizations working to protect Puerto Rican native plants
- Choose other Puerto Rican natives that are more readily available
- Advocate for habitat protection in Puerto Rico
- Spread awareness about the importance of endemic species
The Bottom Line
Bariaco represents something precious and irreplaceable—a plant found nowhere else on Earth that’s hanging by a thread. While it’s not a plant for the average garden, understanding and supporting its conservation helps preserve the incredible biodiversity that makes our world so remarkable. If you’re passionate about native plants, consider this a call to action to support conservation efforts and choose readily available native alternatives for your own garden.
Every extinct plant species is a story that ends forever. Let’s make sure bariaco’s story continues.
