Cattleya mendelii
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.
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.
