Piptocarpha robusta
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Piptocarpha robusta faces severe pressure from ongoing deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in Brazil's Atlantic Forest. Agricultural expansion, particularly cattle ranching and crop cultivation, continues to reduce and isolate remaining forest patches where this endemic shrub occurs. Urban development and infrastructure projects further fragment the species' already restricted habitat, while the small population size makes it vulnerable to stochastic events and genetic bottlenecks.
Habitat
Piptocarpha robusta is endemic to the Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica) of southeastern Brazil, where it inhabits humid montane forests and forest edges at elevations between 800-1,500 meters. The species occurs in both primary and secondary forest formations, typically growing in areas with well-drained soils and partial canopy cover.