How this individual is able to keep on going with so much damage from the goats is just a testament to the ability to survive ongoing damage. The sad fact is that if the goats had not browsed it, it would have grown to a medium sized tree, with a lifespan of several hundred years.
Cadaba insularis is very slow-growing, and thus the wood is heavy and hard. Excellent building material, but on an island any given species will very quickly go extinct if there is no consideration for the natural world. In past years of drought locals have used them for fodder as well, so this species has been hit very hard.
There are less than 20 individuals known in the wild, and unfortunately there is so far no success in procreation. For now this species has not given us the understanding needed to make seeds germinate or for cuttings to grow, like the Boswellias do. One day, hopefully, we will break the code and save it from extinction.
Elevation: 16 meters.
Last updated on 16 February 2024
