VU

Ceylon boxwood

Psydrax dicoccos

Unknown

Overview

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

Psydrax dicoccos faces significant pressure from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in eastern Africa. Habitat fragmentation has isolated remaining populations, reducing genetic diversity and limiting natural regeneration. Overgrazing by livestock in remaining forest patches further degrades the understory vegetation where this species typically establishes.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species occurs in montane forests and forest margins at elevations between 1,200-2,400 meters in eastern Africa. It typically grows in the understory of moist evergreen forests and along forest edges where it benefits from partial shade and well-drained soils.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Ceylon boxwood classified as Vulnerable?
Ceylon boxwood is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Psydrax dicoccos faces significant pressure from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in eastern Africa. Habitat fragmentation has isolated remaining populations, reducing genetic diversity and limiting natural regeneration. Overgrazing by livestock in remaining forest patches further degrades the understory vegetation where this species typically establishes.
Where does Ceylon boxwood live?
Ceylon boxwood 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 Ceylon boxwood?
The main threats to Ceylon boxwood 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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