Broad-Leaf Paphiopedilum
CR

Broad-Leaf Paphiopedilum

Paphiopedilum platyphyllum

Declining

Photo: Photo: (c) Steven Kurniawidjaja, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Steven Kurniawidjaja

Overview

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

Paphiopedilum platyphyllum faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the international orchid trade, with its distinctive broad leaves and showy flowers making it highly sought after by collectors. Habitat destruction through deforestation and agricultural expansion in its limited range has fragmented remaining populations. The species' extremely slow growth rate and specialized pollination requirements make recovery particularly challenging once populations decline.

Threat summary

Habitat

This terrestrial orchid inhabits humid limestone forests and rocky outcrops in tropical montane regions, typically growing in leaf litter and moss-covered substrates. It requires specific microclimate conditions with high humidity, filtered light, and well-draining but moisture-retentive soils.

Conservation measures underway

Species recoverySpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservationLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Broad-Leaf Paphiopedilum classified as Critically Endangered?
Broad-Leaf Paphiopedilum is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Paphiopedilum platyphyllum faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the international orchid trade, with its distinctive broad leaves and showy flowers making it highly sought after by collectors. Habitat destruction through deforestation and agricultural expansion in its limited range has fragmented remaining populations. The species' extremely slow growth rate and specialized pollination requirements make recovery particularly challenging once populations decline.
Where does Broad-Leaf Paphiopedilum live?
Broad-Leaf Paphiopedilum occurs in Malaysia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Broad-Leaf Paphiopedilum?
The main threats to Broad-Leaf Paphiopedilum are 5.3, 5.4, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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