Cyrtandra kenwoodii
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Cyrtandra kenwoodii faces severe threats from habitat degradation and loss due to invasive plant species, particularly aggressive non-native shrubs that outcompete native vegetation in its limited range. Feral ungulates, including pigs and goats, cause significant damage to the understory habitat through trampling and rooting activities. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it highly vulnerable to stochastic events and localized disturbances that could eliminate entire subpopulations.
Habitat
Cyrtandra kenwoodii is endemic to wet and mesic forests on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, typically found in shaded understory environments at elevations between 300-800 meters. The species requires moist, well-drained soils and depends on the intact forest canopy for appropriate light and humidity conditions.