ENEndangered

Lancewood

Oxandra laurifolia

Unknown

Overview

Lancewood (Oxandra laurifolia) is a tropical tree species in the custard apple family (Annonaceae) characterized by its distinctive lance-shaped leaves and small, fragrant flowers. This medium-sized canopy tree produces small fruits that serve as an important food source for various birds and mammals in neotropical forests. The species plays a crucial ecological role as both a food provider and habitat structure component in its native forest ecosystems.

Oxandra laurifolia faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and habitat fragmentation throughout its limited range in the Amazon Basin. Agricultural expansion, logging activities, and infrastructure development have significantly reduced the availability of suitable forest habitat. The species' restricted distribution and specific habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to ongoing forest loss.
Threat summary

Habitat

Lancewood inhabits humid lowland and montane rainforests, typically growing in well-drained soils along forest edges, secondary growth areas, and river valleys. The species thrives in areas with consistent moisture and partial to full canopy cover, often found at elevations ranging from sea level to approximately 1,500 meters.

Other threatened species in Annonaceae

haya minga

Guatteria blainii

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Lancewood classified as Endangered?

Lancewood 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. Oxandra laurifolia faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and habitat fragmentation throughout its limited range in the Amazon Basin. Agricultural expansion, logging activities, and infrastructure development have significantly reduced the availability of suitable forest habitat. The species' restricted distribution and specific habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to ongoing forest loss.

Where does Lancewood live?

Lancewood 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 Lancewood?

The main threats to Lancewood 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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