Gordonia villosa
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Gordonia villosa faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited range in the southeastern United States. Fire suppression has altered the natural fire regimes essential for maintaining the open woodland conditions this species requires. Additionally, invasive plant species compete with native understory vegetation that supports Gordonia villosa populations.
Habitat
Gordonia villosa inhabits acidic, well-drained soils in open pine woodlands, forest edges, and sandy coastal plain habitats throughout the southeastern United States. The species thrives in areas with periodic natural fire disturbance that maintains open canopy conditions and reduces competition from other woody species.