Viola utchinensis

Viola utchinensis is endemic to Okinawa Island in the Ryūkyū Islands of Japan.^[2][5]

This species can be found in crevices of raised coral reef and coastal cliffs. It grows in elevated habitat in full sun.^[1]

Viola utchinensis is classed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and Endangered on the Ministry of the Environment Red List and has been designated a National Endangered Species under the 1992 Act on Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.^[1][6][7] In 2015 the population was estimated to be between 100 - 200 mature individuals.^[1]

V. utchinensis is threatened primarily by the illegal collection of specimens for cultivation. This is believed to be the biggest threat for the species.^[1] The species is attractive therefore is dug up to be used as rare ornamental plant.