EN

Hamamelis mexicana

Declining

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Hamamelis mexicana faces severe population decline due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited Mexican range. The species is particularly vulnerable because of its extremely restricted distribution and small population size, making it susceptible to local extinctions from even minor habitat disturbances. Illegal collection for horticultural trade has further reduced wild populations, as this rare witch hazel is sought after by collectors.

Threat summary

Habitat

Hamamelis mexicana inhabits montane cloud forests and humid pine-oak forests in the Sierra Madre Oriental of northeastern Mexico. The species requires cool, moist conditions at elevations between 1,200-2,000 meters, typically growing in shaded understory areas with rich, well-drained soils.

Forest· majorForest - Temperate· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical moist montane· majorArtificial - Terrestrial· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSite/area managementSpecies recoveryEx-situ conservation

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Distylium stellare

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Turbinicarpus horripilus

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Turbinicarpus mandragora

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Opuntia pachyrrhiza

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Arachnothryx tacanensis

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Hamamelis mexicana classified as Endangered?
Hamamelis mexicana is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Hamamelis mexicana faces severe population decline due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited Mexican range. The species is particularly vulnerable because of its extremely restricted distribution and small population size, making it susceptible to local extinctions from even minor habitat disturbances. Illegal collection for horticultural trade has further reduced wild populations, as this rare witch hazel is sought after by collectors.
Where does Hamamelis mexicana live?
Hamamelis mexicana occurs in Mexico. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Hamamelis mexicana?
The main threats to Hamamelis mexicana are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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