Bayahibe Rose

Scientific name: Leuenbergeria quisqueyana (syn. Pereskia quisqueyana)

GPS Location: 17° 42′ ″ N, 64° 49′ ″ W

While not a true tree, this species is included due to it’s status as “Critically Endangered” in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

20250621
20250719
20250719
20250719
20250712
20250709
20250705
20250625
20250621
20250621

Observations:

What Makes Leuenbergeria quisqueyana So Unique?

1. A Rare Leafy Cactus
  • Unlike most cacti, L. quisqueyana retains true leaves even at maturity—an unusual trait for the cactus family
  • Its stems develop bark early and lack stomata, distinguishing it from other leafy cacti like Pereskia and Rhodocactus
2. Endemic and Distinguished
  • Native exclusively to the Dominican Republic, particularly around the town of Bayahibe on Hispaniola
  • Discovered by botanist Henri Alain Liogier in 1977 and officially described in 1980
3. Impressive Shrub-Like Form
  • A shrub-like cactus that can grow up to 6 meters (about 20 feet) tall
  • The stems are armed with clusters of long spines, numbering up to 120 per areole on the trunk, each 2–6 cm in length
4. Showy Flowers and Fruits
  • Produces bright pink flowers, approximately 5–7 cm in diameter, blooming at branch tips—typically during March and July
  • These are followed by yellowish spherical fruits containing black seeds
5. Conservation and Cultural Significance
  • Classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss
  • Declared the national flower of the Dominican Republic under Law 146‑11 (2011), with active protection and conservation programs in place
  • It also appears in national culture and symbolism—its image has surfaced on currency, and it’s affectionately nicknamed the “money tree”
  • Conservation initiatives include public education, nursery cultivation of thousands of plants, and collaboration with the National Botanical Garden

Summary of Key Features

FeatureDescription
Leaf-bearing cactusRetains leaves; stems become barked early
HabitatEndemic to southeastern Dominican Republic
Growth FormShrub to small tree, up to ~6 m tall
SpinesDense clusters, up to 120 per areole
FlowersBright pink, 5–7 cm, bloom seasonally
FruitsYellow, spherical, with black seeds
Conservation StatusCritically Endangered; national flower
Cultural RoleSymbol of national identity and resilience

In essence, Leuenbergeria quisqueyana stands out as a leafy, spiny-stemmed cactus with vibrant blossoms—a botanical gem that’s both biologically fascinating and deeply embedded in Dominican heritage. Let me know if you’d like to explore its conservation programs or botanical relatives!

Phenological Markers

Spring (March–May)

  • Leaf Emergence: New leaves flush as temperatures rise; bright green and glossy
  • Flower Bud Formation: Buds begin to form on mature branches in mid to late spring
  • First Bloom: Earliest flowers may begin to open near the end of the season

Summer (June–August)

  • Flowering Peak: Showy pink flowers in full bloom; attracts pollinators including bees and butterflies
  • Leaf Canopy: Full and lush; leaves remain vibrant unless stressed by drought
  • Pollination Activity: Insects frequent blooms, helping ensure fruit set on healthy specimens

Fall (September–November)

  • Extended Flowering: In some climates, blooms may persist into early fall
  • Leaf Senescence: In drier conditions, some leaf yellowing and drop may occur
  • Fruit Formation: Rare but possible; small green fruits may begin developing

Winter (December–February)

  • Dormant Phase: Reduced growth, occasional leaf drop depending on temperature and moisture
  • Bare Appearance: May appear sparse or leafless in dry or cool winters; stem remains alive and photosynthetically active
  • Minimal Flowering: Few or no blooms during this period

👁️ Observation Tips

  • Flower Visibility: Large pink blooms are highly visible and fragrant—observe in early morning for best effect
  • Leaf Texture: Glossy leaves with prominent midribs are distinctive among cacti
  • Spines: Though not always present, look for short, paired spines on older stems
  • Branching: Note the shrubby, often irregular form—especially important when distinguishing from related species

🌿 Ecological and Cultural Notes

  • Ecological Role:
    • Important as a pollinator plant in its native range
    • Offers a rare glimpse into the leafy ancestral form of the cactus family
  • Cultural Significance:
    • National flower of the Dominican Republic
    • Found in the area around the town of Bayahibe, DR.
    • Discovered in 1977 by the French botanist Alain Liogier, it was designated as a new species for science in 1980. The plant can grow up to 6 meters and blooms twice per year.
    • It was declared the national flower of the Dominican Republic by law in 2011. 
    • Symbol of conservation efforts and endemic species protection. Fondo MARENA, a non-profit organization in DR, dedicated to the conservation of marine and terrestrial ecosystems in the Dominican Republic has implemented several initiatives to save the Bayahibe Rose from extinction. 

⚠️ Conservation Notes

  • Rarity: Native population is limited to a small area of coastal scrub in Bayahibe, DR
  • Threats: Habitat loss, illegal collection, and limited seed dispersal
  • Cultivation: Protected in gardens and botanical institutions; propagation encouraged through cuttings to preserve genetic stock
  • Legal Protection: Listed as endangered and protected under Dominican law and international conservation agreements
Scroll to Top