Bayahibe rose

Description

Leuenbergeria quisqueyana, ( Syn. Pereskia quisqueyana) commonly known as the Bayahibe rose, is a species of cactus that is endemic to the Dominican Republic. L. quisqueyana is one of only several cactus species which possess leaves. Its natural habitat includes subtropical or tropical dry forests that are found on the Southeast coast of Hispaniola; particularly around the town of Bayahibe, its namesake. It is critically endangered due to habitat loss. The species was discovered by the French botanist, Henri Alain Liogier, in 1977, the description being published in 1980. He named it quisqueyana, in honor of the Dominican Republic, which is also referred to as Quisqueya. Law 146-11 of the Dominican Republic, established the Bayahibe rose as the national flower of the country and ensured its protection due to its endangered status.