Cyrtandra vescoi
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Cyrtandra vescoi faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as native Hawaiian forests are cleared for agriculture and urban development. Invasive plant species compete directly with this endemic shrub for resources and alter the understory composition of its montane forest habitat. Feral ungulates, particularly pigs and goats, trample seedlings and degrade the forest floor conditions essential for regeneration.
Habitat
This endemic Hawaiian shrub inhabits mesic to wet montane forests, typically growing in the understory of native koa and ohia forests at elevations between 600-1,500 meters. It requires consistent moisture and filtered sunlight provided by the forest canopy.