EN

Acanthophippium sinense

Unknown

Overview

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

Acanthophippium sinense faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in southern China and Southeast Asia. The species is particularly vulnerable to collection pressure for traditional medicine and the ornamental plant trade, as terrestrial orchids are highly sought after by collectors. Deforestation and conversion of its specialized forest floor habitats have fragmented remaining populations, making recovery increasingly difficult.

Threat summary

Habitat

This terrestrial orchid inhabits the forest floor of humid, shaded tropical and subtropical forests, typically growing in leaf litter and organic-rich soils. It requires specific mycorrhizal associations and stable moisture conditions found in undisturbed primary and mature secondary forests.

Other threatened species in ORCHIDACEAE

EN

Porpax angustifolia

Unknown
EN

Polystachya longiscapa

Unknown
CR

The Lost Spathoglottis

Spathoglottis arunachalensis

Declining
VU

Disperis galerita

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Acanthophippium sinense classified as Endangered?
Acanthophippium sinense is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Acanthophippium sinense faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in southern China and Southeast Asia. The species is particularly vulnerable to collection pressure for traditional medicine and the ornamental plant trade, as terrestrial orchids are highly sought after by collectors. Deforestation and conversion of its specialized forest floor habitats have fragmented remaining populations, making recovery increasingly difficult.
Where does Acanthophippium sinense live?
Acanthophippium sinense 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 Acanthophippium sinense?
The main threats to Acanthophippium sinense 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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