Bejuco alcanfor
Peperomia subrotundifolia
Overview
Bejuco alcanfor (Peperomia subrotundifolia) is a small epiphytic herb in the pepper family with distinctive rounded, succulent leaves that often display a waxy texture. This climbing or trailing plant typically grows on tree trunks and branches in cloud forests, contributing to the complex epiphyte communities that help regulate moisture and provide microhabitats for other organisms.
Peperomia subrotundifolia faces severe threats primarily from habitat destruction and fragmentation due to agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited range. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with small population sizes increasing extinction risk from stochastic events.
Habitat
Peperomia subrotundifolia inhabits the misty cloud forests of tropical mountains, growing as an epiphyte on moss-covered tree trunks and branches where constant fog provides the high humidity it requires. These specialized ecosystems occur at specific elevational zones where persistent cloud cover creates unique microclimatic conditions.
Other threatened species in Piperaceae
Frequently asked questions
Why is Bejuco alcanfor classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Bejuco alcanfor live?
What are the main threats to Bejuco alcanfor?
Get weekly conservation intelligence
One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.
Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.