Big white-egret flower
Habenaria dentata
Habenaria dentata is a species of orchid native to the Himalaya, China, India, Indochina, Thailand, Myanmar, Bhutan, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan. It has many common names, including, the Toothed Habenaria, Dai-Sagi-So, Seitaka-sagi-s, Mao Yu Feng Hua, Wan khao nieo, and Ueang khao tok.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habenaria_dentata
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Liliopsida
Order
Asparagales
Family
Orchidaceae
Genus
Habenaria
Big white-egret flower belongs to the family Orchidaceae, order Asparagales, within the Liliopsida class.
Species Profile
Habenaria dentata is a species of orchid native to the Himalaya, China, India, Indochina, Thailand, Myanmar, Bhutan, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan. It has many common names, including, the Toothed Habenaria, Dai-Sagi-So, Seitaka-sagi-s, Mao Yu Feng Hua, Wan khao nieo, and Ueang khao tok.
The Big white-egret flower faces significant threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urban development across its range. Overcollection for ornamental and medicinal purposes, combined with the species' specialized pollination requirements and narrow habitat preferences, has led to population declines in many areas.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This terrestrial orchid inhabits moist grasslands, open woodlands, and forest margins at elevations ranging from sea level to approximately 1,500 meters. It typically grows in well-drained soils with seasonal moisture patterns, often in areas that experience distinct wet and dry seasons.
Threats
Habitat loss from agricultural conversion
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
Disruption of specialized pollinator relationships
Overcollection for ornamental trade
Traditional medicine harvesting
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Big white-egret flower (Habenaria dentata). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/big-white-egret-flower