Psychotria cookei
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Psychotria cookei faces severe habitat degradation from invasive plant species, particularly aggressive non-native shrubs that outcompete this endemic Hawaiian coffee relative. Urban development and agricultural expansion have fragmented its remaining forest habitat, while feral ungulates damage the understory vegetation critical for its survival. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering precipitation patterns in the montane forests where this species persists.
Habitat
This endemic Hawaiian shrub inhabits mesic to wet montane forests, typically found in the understory of native forest communities at elevations between 300-1,200 meters. It requires well-drained volcanic soils and partial shade provided by the forest canopy.