Geniostoma cyrtandrae
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Geniostoma cyrtandrae faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited Hawaiian range. Invasive plant species compete directly with this endemic shrub, altering soil chemistry and light availability in its native forest understory. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes entire populations vulnerable to single catastrophic events such as landslides or severe storms.
Habitat
This endemic Hawaiian shrub inhabits mesic to wet forest understories at mid-elevations, typically growing in shaded areas beneath native canopy trees. It requires well-drained volcanic soils and consistent moisture levels found in Hawaii's native forest ecosystems.
