Encyclia kingsii
Photo: (c) Nick Johnson, all rights reserved, uploaded by Nick Johnson
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Encyclia kingsii faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited range in the Caribbean. The species is particularly vulnerable to overcollection by orchid enthusiasts, as its striking flowers make it highly sought after in the horticultural trade. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased hurricane intensity, which can devastate the epiphytic populations that depend on specific host trees and microclimatic conditions.
Habitat
This epiphytic orchid inhabits humid tropical forests and woodland areas, typically growing on tree trunks and branches in the canopy and understory. It occurs primarily in montane and submontane forests where consistent moisture levels and filtered sunlight create optimal growing conditions.
