Oparanthus coriaceus
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Oparanthus coriaceus faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as French Polynesian coastal and lowland forests are cleared for development and agriculture. The species' extremely limited range on just a few islands makes it particularly vulnerable to introduced invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation. Climate change poses an additional threat through rising sea levels and altered precipitation patterns affecting the delicate island ecosystems where this endemic plant survives.
Habitat
This endemic species inhabits coastal forests and lowland areas of French Polynesia, typically growing in native vegetation communities on volcanic soils. It occurs in areas with high humidity and consistent tropical temperatures, often in association with other endemic Pacific island flora.