custard orchid
Eurystyles ananassocomos
The custard orchid (Eurystyles ananassocomos) is a terrestrial orchid species characterized by its distinctive creamy yellow flowers that emit a sweet, custard-like fragrance. This small orchid typically grows 15-25 cm tall with broad, ribbed leaves and plays an important role in its ecosystem by providing nectar for specialized pollinators including small moths and butterflies.
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Eric van den Berghe, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Eric van den Berghe
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Liliopsida
Order
Asparagales
Family
Orchidaceae
Genus
Eurystyles
custard orchid belongs to the family Orchidaceae, order Asparagales, within the Liliopsida class.
Species Profile
The custard orchid (Eurystyles ananassocomos) is a terrestrial orchid species characterized by its distinctive creamy yellow flowers that emit a sweet, custard-like fragrance. This small orchid typically grows 15-25 cm tall with broad, ribbed leaves and plays an important role in its ecosystem by providing nectar for specialized pollinators including small moths and butterflies.
The custard orchid (Eurystyles ananassocomos) faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from deforestation and agricultural expansion in its limited range. As an endemic orchid species with highly specific ecological requirements, it is extremely vulnerable to environmental changes and human disturbance. The species' restricted distribution and small population size make it particularly susceptible to extinction from multiple threatening processes.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This orchid inhabits humid montane cloud forests at elevations between 1,200-1,800 meters, typically growing in moss-covered rocky outcrops and along stream banks where constant moisture and filtered sunlight create ideal conditions. It requires the specific microclimate found in these misty forest environments with their consistent temperature and humidity levels.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
The custard orchid (Eurystyles ananassocomos) faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from deforestation and agricultural expansion in its limited range. As an endemic orchid species with highly specific ecological requirements, it is extremely vulnerable to environmental changes and human disturbance. The species' restricted distribution and small population size make it particularly susceptible to extinction from multiple threatening processes.
Agricultural expansion and land conversion
Habitat loss and fragmentation from deforestation
Small population size and restricted range
Climate change impacts on specialized habitat requirements
Collection pressure for horticultural trade
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). custard orchid (Eurystyles ananassocomos). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/custard-orchid