A team of botanists has confirmed the rediscovery of a rare shrub known as the ‘woolly devil’ in Big Bend National Park, Texas, fifty years after it was last documented in the state and presumed locally extinct. This significant finding, involving a plant species previously thought to be confined to a few small areas in Mexico, has prompted a re-evaluation of the region’s unique biodiversity.
The ‘Woolly Devil’ Plant
| Key Fact | Detail |
| Species Rediscovered | Sideroxylon lanuginosum subsp. rigidum, also known as the ‘woolly devil’ or rigid woolly buckthorn. Sul Ross State University |
| Time Since Last Sighting | The only previous Texas specimen was collected in 1973. It was considered extirpated from the state. |
| Location | A single plant was found in a remote, rugged area of Big Bend National Park. National Park Service |
| Significance | The discovery expands the known range of the species and underscores the ecological importance of the Big Bend region. |
A Fortuitous Find in a Remote Canyon
The rediscovery was made by a group of botanists led by Dr. Martin Terry, a biologist affiliated with Sul Ross State University. The team was conducting botanical surveys in a remote part of Big Bend National Park when they encountered a plant that did not match any known local flora. The shrub was found growing on a steep, gravelly slope, a testament to its resilience in the harsh Chihuahuan Desert environment.
“It was a moment of pure botanical excitement,” Dr. Terry stated in a press release from the university. “To find something that no one has seen in this state for five decades is what field science is all about. It demonstrates that there are still significant discoveries waiting to be made, even in well-studied areas like Big Bend.”
After careful documentation and sample collection, the specimen was sent to the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) for verification. Experts there confirmed its identity as Sideroxylon lanuginosum subsp. rigidum, matching the 1973 specimen and confirming the species’ continued, albeit scarce, presence in Texas.
The Significance of the Woolly Devil Rediscovered
The presence of the ‘woolly devil’ is more than just a botanical curiosity; it holds important implications for Big Bend botany and our understanding of species distribution. Scientists believe its survival may be linked to specific microclimates within the park that have remained stable despite broader environmental changes.
“This single plant is a survivor,” said Dr. Amanda Strydom, a conservation ecologist who was not involved in the find. “Its existence here prompts crucial questions about the historical range of this species and what ecological factors have allowed it to persist undetected for so long. It is a vital data point for climate change and habitat preservation studies.”
The find reinforces Big Bend National Park’s status as a critical biodiversity hotspot. The park’s complex topography of mountains, deserts, and river floodplains creates isolated habitats where rare species can survive. The rediscovery highlights the importance of continued funding for field research and conservation within the national park system.
Understanding Sideroxylon lanuginosum
The ‘woolly devil’ is a member of the Sapotaceae family. Its common name is derived from two distinct features:
- Woolly: The undersides of its leaves are covered in a dense mat of white, wool-like hairs, which likely helps reduce water loss in its arid habitat.
- Devil: The shrub is armed with formidable, woody thorns, a defensive adaptation against herbivores.
Before this discovery, the known populations of this subspecies were limited to specific areas in Coahuila and Nuevo León, Mexico. Its reappearance in Texas suggests a previously wider distribution that has contracted over time, making the Big Bend individual a critical link for genetic diversity and future conservation efforts.
Next Steps for Research and Conservation
With the woolly devil rediscovered, the immediate priority for park officials and researchers is to protect the lone plant. The National Park Service has stated that the specific location of the shrub will not be made public to prevent disturbance from visitors.
Scientists from Sul Ross State University and BRIT plan to return to the area to search for more individuals. They will also seek to collect genetic material from the plant to compare it with the known populations in Mexico. This research will help determine if the Texas plant is genetically distinct and could inform strategies for its conservation.
“Our first goal is protection and monitoring,” Dr. Terry explained. “Then, we hope to understand its reproductive status. Is it producing fruit? Are there other plants nearby? Answering these questions will determine our next steps, which could eventually include propagation efforts to ensure its survival in Texas.”
