VU

Hibiscus malacophyllus

Unknown

Overview

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

Hibiscus malacophyllus faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in Madagascar's eastern coastal regions. The species' specialized habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to forest fragmentation, while its attractive flowers have led to overcollection for horticultural trade. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns affecting the humid forest ecosystems this hibiscus depends upon.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits humid lowland and montane forests along Madagascar's eastern coast, typically growing in forest understory and edge environments with consistent moisture levels. It requires well-drained soils and partial shade conditions characteristic of Madagascar's unique eastern rainforest ecosystems.

Forest· majorShrubland· majorRocky areas· major

Other threatened species in MALVACEAE

VU

Acaulimalva oriastrum

Unknown
CR

Acropogon horarius

Declining
VU

Nototriche turritella

Declining
EN

Dombeya rariflora

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Hibiscus malacophyllus classified as Vulnerable?
Hibiscus malacophyllus is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Hibiscus malacophyllus faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in Madagascar's eastern coastal regions. The species' specialized habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to forest fragmentation, while its attractive flowers have led to overcollection for horticultural trade. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns affecting the humid forest ecosystems this hibiscus depends upon.
Where does Hibiscus malacophyllus live?
Hibiscus malacophyllus occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Hibiscus malacophyllus?
The main threats to Hibiscus malacophyllus 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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