Cyrtandra heinrichii

Cyrtandra heinrichii is a shrub that usually grows by waterfalls on walls of basalt. They are also found in shrubland and wet, tropical or sub-tropical forests dominated by Metrosideros. This species can usually be found with ferns at altitudes between 730m and 1,350m.[1]

This species is closely related to Cyrtandra wawrae.[4]

Cyrtandra heinrichii is listed as endangered by the IUCN.[1] It occupies an area of 10km². There are estimated to be between 250 and 1,000 mature individuals left in the declining population, fragmented into 9 subpopulations.[1] Part of the species range lies within a Natural Area Reserve.[1]

Damage to the plant by slugs and rodents, habitat destruction from wild pigs, and invasive plants species all pose a serious threat to this taxon. These invasive species compete with lava cyrtandra for resources. Such plant species include, but are not exclusive to:[1]

• Erigeron karvinskianus
• Hedychium gardnerianum
• Clidemia hirta
• Cyathea cooperi
• Andropogon virginicus
• Rubus rosifolius
• Blechnum appendiculatum
• Pterolepis glomerata
• Erechtites valerianifolius

In addition, the decline of native bird and insect species has led to a decrease in pollination.[1]