Greater Butterfly-orchid
Platanthera chlorantha
Platanthera chlorantha, commonly known as greater butterfly-orchid, is a species of orchid in the genus Platanthera. It can be found throughout Europe and Morocco.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platanthera_chlorantha
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Liliopsida
Order
Asparagales
Family
Orchidaceae
Genus
Platanthera
Greater Butterfly-orchid belongs to the family Orchidaceae, order Asparagales, within the Liliopsida class.
Species Profile
Platanthera chlorantha, commonly known as greater butterfly-orchid, is a species of orchid in the genus Platanthera. It can be found throughout Europe and Morocco. The name Platanthera is derived from Greek, meaning "broad anthers", while the species name, chlorantha, means "green-flowered".
The Greater Butterfly-orchid faces severe decline primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification, urban development, and changes in traditional land management practices. The species is particularly vulnerable because it depends on specific mycorrhizal fungi for germination and growth, making it sensitive to soil disturbance and chemical inputs.
Key Facts
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
The Greater Butterfly-orchid faces severe decline primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification, urban development, and changes in traditional land management practices. The species is particularly vulnerable because it depends on specific mycorrhizal fungi for germination and growth, making it sensitive to soil disturbance and chemical inputs.
Agricultural intensification and fertilizer use
Changes in traditional grassland management
Habitat fragmentation and urban development
Climate change affecting pollinator relationships
Collection for horticultural trade
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (EN).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | ENEndangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | ENEndangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | ENEndangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | ENEndangered | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
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
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Greater Butterfly-orchid (Platanthera chlorantha). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/greater-butterfly-orchid