VU

Crossopetalum oxyphyllum

Declining

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Crossopetalum oxyphyllum faces severe pressure from urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited range in the Caribbean. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, while invasive plant species compete for resources in its native dry forest ecosystems. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that could disrupt the delicate moisture balance required by this specialized shrub.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits dry coastal forests and scrublands in the Caribbean, typically growing in well-drained soils on limestone substrates. It thrives in areas with seasonal rainfall patterns and is often found in secondary growth forests recovering from past disturbances.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical moist montane· major

Conservation measures underway

Habitat & natural process restorationEx-situ conservationLegislationLinked enterprises & livelihood alternatives

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Crossopetalum oxyphyllum classified as Vulnerable?
Crossopetalum oxyphyllum is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Crossopetalum oxyphyllum faces severe pressure from urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited range in the Caribbean. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, while invasive plant species compete for resources in its native dry forest ecosystems. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that could disrupt the delicate moisture balance required by this specialized shrub.
Where does Crossopetalum oxyphyllum live?
Crossopetalum oxyphyllum occurs in Mexico. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Crossopetalum oxyphyllum?
The main threats to Crossopetalum oxyphyllum are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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