EN

Phoradendron lorifolium

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Phoradendron lorifolium faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat conversion in its limited range within Central American cloud forests. The species' parasitic lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable as it depends entirely on specific host trees that are themselves under pressure from agricultural expansion and logging. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture regimes essential for cloud forest ecosystems, potentially shifting suitable habitat to higher elevations where host trees may not survive.

Threat summary

Habitat

This parasitic mistletoe inhabits montane cloud forests between 1,200-2,400 meters elevation, growing exclusively on specific host tree species in the humid, fog-shrouded canopies. It requires the consistent moisture and stable temperatures characteristic of these specialized high-altitude tropical ecosystems.

Other threatened species in Viscaceae

EN

Dendrophthora arcuata

Unknown
CR

Phoradendron longissimum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Phoradendron lorifolium classified as Endangered?
Phoradendron lorifolium is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Phoradendron lorifolium faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat conversion in its limited range within Central American cloud forests. The species' parasitic lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable as it depends entirely on specific host trees that are themselves under pressure from agricultural expansion and logging. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture regimes essential for cloud forest ecosystems, potentially shifting suitable habitat to higher elevations where host trees may not survive.
Where does Phoradendron lorifolium live?
Phoradendron lorifolium 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 Phoradendron lorifolium?
The main threats to Phoradendron lorifolium 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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