Historical description and use of Sophora toromiro (Phil.) Skottsb. (Fabaceae) in the wild: 1770-1948

Abstract

Sophora toromiro (Phil.) Skottsb. extinct species of Easter Island is described as a small tree to mid-eighteenth century. The clumps are identified by the first visitors and related mostly located within the island, as on top of the craters of the volcanoes of Rapa Nui. The wood was widely used by the islanders mainly in such sacred artifacts, however since the late eighteenth century the need for wood and the loss of worship for the new generations of Rapa Nui show a change in use. The last woods and shoots were decimated by herbivory that was developed sheepish mass scale on Easter Island. At present this species is listed as extinct in the wild by UICN.