tufted milkwort
CR

tufted milkwort

Polygala comosa

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polygala_comosa

Overview

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

Tufted milkwort faces severe population declines due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development across its native range. The species' specialized requirements for nutrient-poor calcareous grasslands make it particularly vulnerable to changes in land management practices and habitat fragmentation.

Threat summary

Habitat

Tufted milkwort occurs in short, species-rich calcareous grasslands, chalk downs, and limestone pavements, typically on well-drained alkaline soils. The species requires low-intensity grazing or mowing regimes that maintain open conditions and prevent scrubland encroachment.

Other threatened species in Polygalaceae

CR

Polygala rhynchosperma

Unknown
Heath MilkwortVU

Heath Milkwort

Polygala serpyllifolia

Unknown
European MilkwortVU

European Milkwort

Polygala vulgaris

Unknown
EN

Polygala omissa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is tufted milkwort classified as Critically Endangered?
tufted milkwort is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Tufted milkwort faces severe population declines due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development across its native range. The species' specialized requirements for nutrient-poor calcareous grasslands make it particularly vulnerable to changes in land management practices and habitat fragmentation.
Where does tufted milkwort live?
tufted milkwort 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 tufted milkwort?
The main threats to tufted milkwort 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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