Gasteranthus atratus
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasteranthus_atratus
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Gasteranthus atratus faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat fragmentation in its restricted range within Ecuador's cloud forests. Agricultural expansion and logging activities have dramatically reduced the specialized montane forest habitats this species requires. The plant's extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes and human disturbances.
Habitat
This species inhabits humid montane cloud forests in the Andes of Ecuador, typically growing as an epiphyte or terrestrial herb in the understory of these specialized high-altitude ecosystems. It requires the consistent moisture and stable temperatures characteristic of cloud forest environments between 1,500-2,500 meters elevation.