canelinha
Nectandra debilis
Nectandra debilis, commonly known as canelinha, is a medium-sized tree species belonging to the laurel family (Lauraceae) endemic to Brazil's Atlantic Forest. This evergreen tree typically reaches 8-15 meters in height and produces small, inconspicuous flowers followed by dark berries that serve as an important food source for forest birds and mammals.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Laurales
Family
Lauraceae
Genus
Nectandra
canelinha belongs to the family Lauraceae, order Laurales, within the Magnoliopsida class.
Species Profile
Nectandra debilis, commonly known as canelinha, is a medium-sized tree species belonging to the laurel family (Lauraceae) endemic to Brazil's Atlantic Forest. This evergreen tree typically reaches 8-15 meters in height and produces small, inconspicuous flowers followed by dark berries that serve as an important food source for forest birds and mammals. As a member of the diverse Nectandra genus, canelinha plays a crucial role in forest succession and seed dispersal networks within its native ecosystem.
Nectandra debilis (canelinha) is critically endangered primarily due to severe habitat loss and fragmentation of Atlantic Forest ecosystems in Brazil. The species' extremely limited range and small population size make it highly vulnerable to ongoing deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urban development pressures.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Canelinha occurs in the understory and canopy of primary and secondary Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica) remnants, typically in humid montane forests at elevations between 400-1,200 meters. The species shows preference for well-drained soils on slopes and ridges within the coastal mountain ranges of southeastern Brazil.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Nectandra debilis (canelinha) is critically endangered primarily due to severe habitat loss and fragmentation of Atlantic Forest ecosystems in Brazil. The species' extremely limited range and small population size make it highly vulnerable to ongoing deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urban development pressures.
Agricultural expansion
Habitat loss and deforestation
Small population size and genetic bottlenecks
Climate change impacts on Atlantic Forest
Urban development
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). canelinha (Nectandra debilis). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/canelinha