Memecylon leucanthum
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Memecylon leucanthum faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat conversion across its limited range in the Western Ghats of India. The species is particularly vulnerable to agricultural expansion and infrastructure development that fragments its montane forest habitat. Climate change poses an additional threat as shifting precipitation patterns and rising temperatures may alter the specific microhabitat conditions this endemic shrub requires for survival.
Habitat
This endemic shrub inhabits the montane evergreen forests of the Western Ghats in India, typically found in moist, shaded understory environments at elevations between 1,000-1,800 meters. It requires specific microhabitat conditions including consistent moisture levels and protection from direct sunlight provided by the forest canopy.