Researchers hypothesized that in response to the predation of giant tortoises, the species' young leaves evolved to appear darker and therefore less appealing or visible to the tortoises. Other notable predators are the dodo-descendant, Rodrigues solitaire, and goats.
Scientists proposed that the young leaves of the species evolved to be darker in color as a defense mechanism against predation by giant tortoises.  Other animals that prey on this species include the Rodrigues solitaire and goats.