Ruellia paulayana
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Ruellia paulayana faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in Brazil's Atlantic Forest region. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, while invasive plant species compete for resources in its specialized microhabitats. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that could disrupt the moisture-dependent ecosystems this endemic species requires.
Habitat
Ruellia paulayana is endemic to the Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica) of southeastern Brazil, where it inhabits humid understory environments and forest edges. The species typically occurs in areas with consistent moisture levels and partial shade, often associated with riparian zones and secondary forest regeneration areas.