EN

Diphylleia sinensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Diphylleia sinensis faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as montane forests across its Chinese range are cleared for agriculture and development. The species' restricted distribution in high-elevation ecosystems makes it particularly vulnerable to climate change, as warming temperatures force suitable habitat upslope into increasingly limited areas. Collection pressure for traditional medicine and ornamental use compounds these threats, with wild populations declining rapidly across fragmented forest remnants.

Threat summary

Habitat

Diphylleia sinensis inhabits cool, moist understory environments in temperate montane forests at elevations between 1,200-2,800 meters. The species requires well-drained, humus-rich soils and partial shade conditions typical of mature deciduous and mixed coniferous forests in mountainous regions of central and southwestern China.

Other threatened species in BERBERIDACEAE

VU

Berberis johnstonii

Stable
EN

Berberis incerta

Declining
EN

Berberis sumapazana

Unknown
VU

Mahonia oiwakensis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Diphylleia sinensis classified as Endangered?
Diphylleia sinensis is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Diphylleia sinensis faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as montane forests across its Chinese range are cleared for agriculture and development. The species' restricted distribution in high-elevation ecosystems makes it particularly vulnerable to climate change, as warming temperatures force suitable habitat upslope into increasingly limited areas. Collection pressure for traditional medicine and ornamental use compounds these threats, with wild populations declining rapidly across fragmented forest remnants.
Where does Diphylleia sinensis live?
Diphylleia sinensis occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Diphylleia sinensis?
The main threats to Diphylleia sinensis 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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