Securidaca leiocarpa
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Securidaca leiocarpa faces significant pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion across its West African range, particularly in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire where cocoa farming has fragmented its forest habitat. The species is also threatened by overharvesting for traditional medicine, as its roots and bark are valued for their medicinal properties. Urban development and logging operations continue to reduce the quality and extent of remaining forest patches where this climbing shrub occurs.
Habitat
Securidaca leiocarpa inhabits tropical rainforests and forest margins in West Africa, typically growing as a climbing shrub in secondary forests and forest edges. The species prefers humid, well-drained soils and can be found from sea level to moderate elevations in countries including Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, and neighboring regions.