Kadua lucei
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Kadua lucei faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited Hawaiian range. Invasive plant species compete directly with this endemic coffee family member, altering soil chemistry and light availability in its native forest understory. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to stochastic events and localized disturbances.
Habitat
This endemic Hawaiian shrub inhabits mesic to wet forest understory environments, typically growing in native mixed forests at mid-elevations. It requires specific soil conditions and partial shade provided by the native forest canopy.