Heliconia excelsa
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Heliconia excelsa faces severe pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion throughout its limited range in Central and South American rainforests. The species' dependence on intact forest canopy structure makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, as even selective logging can disrupt the microclimate conditions essential for its survival. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering precipitation patterns and temperature regimes that this moisture-dependent species requires for optimal growth and reproduction.
Habitat
Heliconia excelsa inhabits the understory and mid-canopy layers of primary and mature secondary tropical rainforests, typically at elevations between 200-1,200 meters. The species requires high humidity levels and filtered sunlight conditions found beneath dense forest canopies, often growing along stream banks and in naturally occurring forest gaps.
Other threatened species in HELICONIACEAE
Frequently asked questions
Why is Heliconia excelsa classified as Vulnerable?
Where does Heliconia excelsa live?
What are the main threats to Heliconia excelsa?
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