Myrsine tahuatensis
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Myrsine tahuatensis faces severe threats from its extremely restricted range on Rapa Iti island in French Polynesia, where the entire population is confined to a single location. Invasive plant species are actively displacing native vegetation and altering the forest composition critical to this endemic shrub's survival. The species' limited genetic diversity and small population size make it highly vulnerable to stochastic events and environmental changes.
Habitat
This endemic shrub occurs in montane cloud forests and humid upland areas on Rapa Iti island, typically growing in native forest understory at elevations between 300-650 meters. The species requires the specific microclimate conditions provided by the island's remaining intact native forest fragments.
