CR

Merrilliopanax chinensis

Unknown

Overview

Merrilliopanax listeri is a species of flowering plant in the family Araliaceae. It is native to the east Himalayas, Nepal, south-central China and Myanmar. It was first described by George King in 1898 as Dendropanax listeri.

Merrilliopanax chinensis faces severe population decline due to extensive deforestation and habitat conversion throughout its native range in southern China. The species' specialized requirements for undisturbed montane forest ecosystems make it particularly vulnerable to logging operations and agricultural expansion. Urban development and infrastructure projects have further fragmented remaining populations, while overcollection for traditional medicine and horticultural trade has intensified pressure on wild specimens.

Threat summary

Habitat

Merrilliopanax chinensis inhabits montane evergreen forests and mixed broadleaf forests at elevations between 800-2,000 meters in southern China. The species requires well-drained, humus-rich soils and thrives in the understory of mature forest ecosystems with high humidity and stable microclimatic conditions.

Other threatened species in ARALIACEAE

EN

Cheirodendron forbesii

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Asian GinsengCR

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CR

Sciodaphyllum dolichostylum

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Sciodaphyllum connatum

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Merrilliopanax chinensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Merrilliopanax chinensis 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. Merrilliopanax chinensis faces severe population decline due to extensive deforestation and habitat conversion throughout its native range in southern China. The species' specialized requirements for undisturbed montane forest ecosystems make it particularly vulnerable to logging operations and agricultural expansion. Urban development and infrastructure projects have further fragmented remaining populations, while overcollection for traditional medicine and horticultural trade has intensified pressure on wild specimens.
Where does Merrilliopanax chinensis live?
Merrilliopanax chinensis 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 Merrilliopanax chinensis?
The main threats to Merrilliopanax chinensis 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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