Marcgravia grandifolia
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Marcgravia grandifolia faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat conversion throughout its Caribbean range, particularly in Puerto Rico and the Lesser Antilles. Agricultural expansion, urban development, and infrastructure projects have fragmented the remaining montane forest patches where this climbing vine occurs. Hurricane damage and increased storm intensity associated with climate change pose additional threats to the already limited populations in exposed mountain forests.
Habitat
This epiphytic climbing vine inhabits montane rainforests and cloud forests at elevations between 300-1,200 meters across the Caribbean islands. It typically grows on tree trunks and branches in mature forest canopies, requiring the humid microclimate and structural support provided by old-growth tropical forests.