Heliotropium paulayanum
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Heliotropium paulayanum faces severe pressure from coastal development and tourism infrastructure expansion across its limited range in the Galápagos Islands. The species is particularly vulnerable to habitat degradation from introduced herbivores, especially goats and cattle, which trample and consume native vegetation in coastal zones. Climate change poses an additional threat through sea level rise and increased storm intensity, which can destroy the fragile coastal habitats where this endemic heliotrope survives.
Habitat
This endemic Galápagos heliotrope inhabits coastal zones, rocky shores, and sandy beaches at low elevations. It typically grows in salt-tolerant plant communities along the immediate coastline where it can withstand salt spray and periodic inundation.