Continuing with the extinction series, next is Byttneria ivorensis, a tree from from the Ivory Coast.

Byttneria ivorensis

It probably went extinct in the 1900s due to deforestation.  Other members of this genus are hosts of several butterfly caterpillars and it’s likely that B. ivorensis was, too.  Some caterpillars feed exclusively on specific species of Byttneria.  We’ll probably never know whether B. ivorensis served as the sole host for a beautiful butterful since it would have disappeared with the tree.

Earthjustice is an organization that uses the court system to enforce environmental laws.  Check out some of their recent campaigns.