Encino of Hinton  (Quercus hintonii)

The encino of Hinton is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List (1).

Growing up to 15 metres in height, this deciduous tree has dark bark and is characterised by its bright red foliage at the start of spring (2).

Endemic to Mexico, this oak species is found only in a 46,000 hectare area in the southeast corner of Mexico State, where there are three distinct populations (2).

Growing at altitudes of between 1300 and 2000 metres, the encino of Hinton is found in dry forests (1) (2).

This tree is of great importance in Mexico, having a variety of uses, from fire wood to tool handles, fence poles and beams. It is part of the traditional culture of Tejupilco people, who burn it in bread-making ovens, giving a distinctive taste to the loaves (2).

Highly threatened by deforestation for coffee, avocado and maize plantations, the encino of Hinton is also being lost to human settlements and over-grazing by domestic livestock, which prevents seedling growth (1) (2).

In a collaboration between Mexican researchers from the University of Puebla and staff from the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens and Arboretum in the United Kingdom, a conservation strategy for the encino of Hinton has been created. It involves training local people in plant propagation and the production of an educational guide about the conservation of this important species (2).

For further information on this species see the Global Trees Campaign:
http://www.globaltrees.org/tp_quercushintonii.htm