Cyrtandra tahuatensis
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Cyrtandra tahuatensis faces severe threats from habitat degradation on its native island of Tahiti in French Polynesia. The species is particularly vulnerable to invasive plant species that alter the understory composition of its native forest habitat, reducing suitable growing conditions. Ongoing development pressure and agricultural expansion continue to fragment the remaining forest patches where this endemic plant survives.
Habitat
Cyrtandra tahuatensis is endemic to the island of Tahiti in French Polynesia, where it inhabits native montane forests. The species typically grows in the understory of humid tropical forests at moderate to high elevations, requiring the specific microclimate conditions found in these intact forest ecosystems.