Cyrtandra uahukaensis
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Cyrtandra uahukaensis faces severe threats from invasive plant species that compete for resources and alter its native forest ecosystem. Habitat degradation from feral ungulates, particularly pigs and goats, damages the understory vegetation where this endemic Hawaiian plant thrives. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns and increased storm intensity, which can fragment the already limited populations on Ua Huka island.
Habitat
This endemic Hawaiian plant inhabits mesic to wet forests on volcanic slopes, typically found in the understory of native forest communities. It grows in areas with consistent moisture and partial shade, often associated with other native Hawaiian flora in montane forest ecosystems.