Rudgea obtusa
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Rudgea obtusa faces severe pressure from ongoing deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil. Agricultural expansion, particularly cattle ranching and sugarcane cultivation, continues to reduce and isolate remaining forest patches. Urban development and infrastructure projects further fragment the species' already restricted habitat, while climate change may alter the specific microclimatic conditions this understory shrub requires.
Habitat
Rudgea obtusa is endemic to the Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica) of southeastern Brazil, where it grows as an understory shrub in humid lowland and montane forests. The species requires the specific microclimate conditions found in intact forest fragments, including filtered light and consistent moisture levels.