Halfordia papuana
Overview
Halfordia is a genus of plants in the family Rutaceae containing the single species Halfordia kendack commonly known as kerosenewood, southern ghittoe or saffronheart, is a rainforest plant that is native to eastern Australia, New Guinea and New Caledonia. It is a shrub or tree with elliptical to egg-shaped leaves with the narrower end towards the base, panicles of white, greenish white or yellowish flowers and purple to bluish black, spherical to oval fruit.
Halfordia papuana faces severe threats from extensive deforestation and habitat conversion throughout its limited range in Papua New Guinea's lowland forests. Mining activities and agricultural expansion have fragmented the remaining forest patches where this endemic tree species occurs. The species' restricted distribution and specialized habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to ongoing land-use changes and climate-induced shifts in forest composition.
Habitat
This endemic tree species inhabits lowland tropical rainforests of Papua New Guinea, typically occurring in primary forest areas with rich, well-drained soils. It is found at elevations from sea level to approximately 800 meters in undisturbed forest ecosystems.
Other threatened species in RUTACEAE
Frequently asked questions
Why is Halfordia papuana classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Halfordia papuana live?
What are the main threats to Halfordia papuana?
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