Spiranthera speciosa
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Spiranthera speciosa faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and agricultural conversion throughout its native range in Brazil's Atlantic Forest. Mining activities and urban expansion have further fragmented the remaining forest patches where this species occurs. The conversion of its specialized habitat for cattle ranching and sugarcane cultivation has eliminated much of its historical range, leaving only isolated populations in protected areas and forest remnants.
Habitat
Spiranthera speciosa is endemic to Brazil's Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica), where it inhabits humid lowland and montane forests with rich, well-drained soils. This species typically occurs in primary and mature secondary forest understory, requiring the specific microclimate conditions provided by intact forest canopy.