Dow's cattleya
VU

Dow's cattleya

Cattleya dowiana

Unknown

Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Yam Melissa Pineda T, all rights reserved, uploaded by Yam Melissa Pineda T

Overview

Cattleya dowiana is a species of orchid. The diploid chromosome number of C. dowiana has been determined as 2n = 40; the haploid chromosome number has been determined as n = 20.

Dow's cattleya faces significant pressure from habitat destruction due to deforestation and agricultural expansion in its native Central American range. Over-collection for the horticultural trade has historically depleted wild populations, while climate change threatens the specific microclimatic conditions this epiphytic orchid requires in its montane forest habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

This epiphytic orchid inhabits humid montane forests and cloud forests at elevations between 600-1,500 meters, growing on tree trunks and branches in the canopy. It requires consistent moisture and filtered light conditions typical of Central American highland forests in Costa Rica and Panama.

Other threatened species in Orchidaceae

CR

Huntleya apiculata

Unknown
Masdevallia niesseniaeCR

Masdevallia niesseniae

Unknown
Encyclia nematocaulonCR

Encyclia nematocaulon

Unknown
Lepanthes diaziaeCR

Lepanthes diaziae

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Dow's cattleya classified as Vulnerable?
Dow's cattleya is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Dow's cattleya faces significant pressure from habitat destruction due to deforestation and agricultural expansion in its native Central American range. Over-collection for the horticultural trade has historically depleted wild populations, while climate change threatens the specific microclimatic conditions this epiphytic orchid requires in its montane forest habitat.
Where does Dow's cattleya live?
Dow's cattleya 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 Dow's cattleya?
The main threats to Dow's cattleya 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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