Greigia exserta
Local name: Piñuela
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Greigia exserta faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching across its limited Costa Rican range, with habitat conversion eliminating critical montane forest areas. Urban development and infrastructure projects further fragment remaining populations, while climate change threatens to shift suitable habitat zones upslope beyond the species' current elevational range. The plant's slow growth rate and specialized pollination requirements make recovery particularly challenging once populations are disturbed.
Habitat
Greigia exserta is endemic to the montane cloud forests of Costa Rica's Cordillera de Talamanca, typically growing as an epiphyte or terrestrial bromeliad in humid forest understories between 1,500-2,500 meters elevation. The species requires the consistent moisture and stable temperatures provided by these specialized cloud forest ecosystems.
Other threatened species in Bromeliaceae
Frequently asked questions
Why is Piñuela classified as Endangered?
Where does Piñuela live?
What are the main threats to Piñuela?
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