Halenia serpyllifolia
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Halenia serpyllifolia faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development in its restricted Andean range. Mining activities and infrastructure development have fragmented the specialized high-altitude ecosystems this species depends upon. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the temperature and precipitation patterns of its narrow altitudinal habitat zone.
Habitat
This species inhabits high-altitude Andean grasslands and páramo ecosystems, typically occurring between 3,000-4,200 meters elevation. It grows in moist, well-drained soils of alpine meadows and rocky slopes with specialized adaptations to extreme temperature fluctuations and intense UV radiation.