EN

Phoradendron wiensii

Unknown

Overview

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

Phoradendron wiensii faces severe threats from habitat destruction as its cloud forest ecosystems are cleared for agriculture and urban development. The species' parasitic lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable since it depends entirely on specific host trees that are themselves under pressure from deforestation. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture regimes essential for cloud forest persistence, potentially shifting suitable habitat to higher elevations where host trees may not occur.

Threat summary

Habitat

This parasitic mistletoe inhabits montane cloud forests and humid tropical forests, typically growing as an epiphytic parasite on the branches of specific host tree species. It requires the consistent moisture and stable temperatures characteristic of cloud forest ecosystems at elevations between 1,000-2,500 meters.

Other threatened species in SANTALACEAE

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Okoubaka michelsonii

Unknown
EN

Santalum haleakalae

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EN

Korthalsella taenioides

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VU

Viscum multicostatum

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Phoradendron wiensii classified as Endangered?
Phoradendron wiensii 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 wiensii faces severe threats from habitat destruction as its cloud forest ecosystems are cleared for agriculture and urban development. The species' parasitic lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable since it depends entirely on specific host trees that are themselves under pressure from deforestation. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture regimes essential for cloud forest persistence, potentially shifting suitable habitat to higher elevations where host trees may not occur.
Where does Phoradendron wiensii live?
Phoradendron wiensii 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 wiensii?
The main threats to Phoradendron wiensii 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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