Scientists recently identified a cactus species on Virgin Gorda that they said has never been documented in the territory before.
A population of columnar cactus, known scientifically as Stenocereus fimbriatus, was discovered near Bitter End by Kevel Lindsay and Jean-Pierre Bacle, who were conducting research for the Island Resources Foundation, according to an IRF press release.
The cactus is similar in appearance to the more common Pilosocereus royenii, but it is considered to be “extremely threatened” here due to destruction of its habitat, the press release said.
The scientists’ work is part of a larger programme spearheaded by the IRF, which includes the Jost Van Dyke environmental profile prepared in 2009 and current studies to prepare profiles for VG and Anegada by the end of the year.
See the Jan. 6, 2012 edition for full coverage.