guldanguloa
Anguloa clowesii
Anguloa clowesii, commonly known as the tulip orchid or cradle orchid, is a large terrestrial orchid species native to the cloud forests of the northern Andes. This striking epiphyte produces waxy, tulip-shaped flowers that are typically yellow-green with intricate patterns and can reach up to 10 cm across.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anguloa_clowesii
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Liliopsida
Order
Asparagales
Family
Orchidaceae
Genus
Anguloa
guldanguloa belongs to the family Orchidaceae, order Asparagales, within the Liliopsida class.
Species Profile
Anguloa clowesii, commonly known as the tulip orchid or cradle orchid, is a large terrestrial orchid species native to the cloud forests of the northern Andes. This striking epiphyte produces waxy, tulip-shaped flowers that are typically yellow-green with intricate patterns and can reach up to 10 cm across. As a specialized orchid, it plays a crucial role in its ecosystem by maintaining complex relationships with specific mycorrhizal fungi and serving as a pollinator resource for various insects.
Anguloa clowesii faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urban development in its native Andean cloud forest ecosystems. The species is also threatened by overcollection for the international orchid trade, as it is highly prized by collectors for its distinctive tulip-like flowers and fragrant blooms.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This orchid inhabits the misty cloud forests of the northern Andes at elevations between 1,500-2,800 meters, where it grows as an epiphyte on moss-covered tree trunks and branches. It requires consistently cool temperatures, high humidity levels above 80%, and the filtered light conditions found beneath the forest canopy.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Anguloa clowesii faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urban development in its native Andean cloud forest ecosystems. The species is also threatened by overcollection for the international orchid trade, as it is highly prized by collectors for its distinctive tulip-like flowers and fragrant blooms.
Agricultural expansion and land conversion
Habitat loss and fragmentation from deforestation
Overcollection for horticultural trade
Climate change affecting cloud forest ecosystems
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
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). guldanguloa (Anguloa clowesii). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/guldanguloa