CR

Memecylon elegantulum

Unknown

Overview

Memecylon elegantulum is a species of plant in the family Melastomataceae. It is endemic to Sri Lanka.

Memecylon elegantulum faces severe population decline primarily due to deforestation and habitat conversion for agricultural expansion in its limited range. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with remaining populations fragmented across small forest patches. Mining activities and infrastructure development have further reduced available habitat, while the species' specialized ecological requirements limit its ability to adapt to degraded environments.

Threat summary

Habitat

Memecylon elegantulum inhabits tropical moist lowland forests and forest edges, typically occurring in areas with well-drained soils and partial canopy cover. The species is endemic to specific biogeographic regions where it grows as an understory shrub in primary and secondary forest formations.

Forest· major

Other threatened species in MELASTOMATACEAE

VU

Brachyotum angustifolium

Unknown
CR

Blakea steyermarkii

Declining
VU

Gravesia pulchra

Declining
VU

Blakea calycularis

Declining

Threatened in Sri Lanka

Indian Star TortoiseVU

Indian Star Tortoise

Geochelone elegans

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EN

Ceylonosticta nietneri

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EN

Lipstick Goby

Sicyopus jonklaasi

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EN

Martenstyni's Barb

Systomus martenstyni

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Memecylon elegantulum classified as Critically Endangered?
Memecylon elegantulum is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Memecylon elegantulum faces severe population decline primarily due to deforestation and habitat conversion for agricultural expansion in its limited range. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with remaining populations fragmented across small forest patches. Mining activities and infrastructure development have further reduced available habitat, while the species' specialized ecological requirements limit its ability to adapt to degraded environments.
Where does Memecylon elegantulum live?
Memecylon elegantulum occurs in Sri Lanka. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Memecylon elegantulum?
The main threats to Memecylon elegantulum 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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