Cattleya mendelii
EN

Cattleya mendelii

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cattleya_mendelii

Overview

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

Cattleya mendelii faces severe pressure from overcollection for the international orchid trade, where its large, fragrant flowers command high prices among collectors. Habitat destruction through deforestation and agricultural expansion in Colombia's Magdalena Valley has eliminated many historical populations. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific temperature and humidity conditions this epiphytic orchid requires in its cloud forest habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

This epiphytic orchid grows exclusively in Colombia's cloud forests and humid montane forests at elevations between 500-2000 meters. It typically establishes on tree trunks and branches in areas with consistent moisture and filtered sunlight.

Other threatened species in Orchidaceae

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Epipactis atrorubens

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Cattleya mendelii classified as Endangered?
Cattleya mendelii 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. Cattleya mendelii faces severe pressure from overcollection for the international orchid trade, where its large, fragrant flowers command high prices among collectors. Habitat destruction through deforestation and agricultural expansion in Colombia's Magdalena Valley has eliminated many historical populations. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific temperature and humidity conditions this epiphytic orchid requires in its cloud forest habitat.
Where does Cattleya mendelii live?
Cattleya mendelii 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 Cattleya mendelii?
The main threats to Cattleya mendelii 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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