Gratix's Paphiopedilum
CR

Gratix's Paphiopedilum

Paphiopedilum gratrixianum

Declining

Photo: Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

Overview

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

Paphiopedilum gratrixianum faces severe pressure from overcollection for the international orchid trade, where its distinctive slipper-shaped flowers command high prices among collectors. The species' extremely limited range in Vietnam's montane forests makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and logging activities. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the cool, humid conditions this orchid requires at specific elevations.

Threat summary

Habitat

This orchid inhabits cool, humid montane forests at elevations between 1,200-1,800 meters in northern Vietnam. It grows as a terrestrial species in well-drained, humus-rich soils under the forest canopy, requiring specific temperature and moisture conditions.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Resource & habitat protectionSpecies recoverySpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservationAwareness & communicationsLegislationLinked enterprises & livelihood alternatives

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Gratix's Paphiopedilum classified as Critically Endangered?
Gratix's Paphiopedilum is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Paphiopedilum gratrixianum faces severe pressure from overcollection for the international orchid trade, where its distinctive slipper-shaped flowers command high prices among collectors. The species' extremely limited range in Vietnam's montane forests makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and logging activities. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the cool, humid conditions this orchid requires at specific elevations.
Where does Gratix's Paphiopedilum live?
Gratix's Paphiopedilum occurs in China, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Gratix's Paphiopedilum?
The main threats to Gratix's Paphiopedilum are 1.1, 11.1, 11.2, and 3.2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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