CR

Henry's Paphiopedilum

Paphiopedilum henryanum

Declining

Overview

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

Paphiopedilum henryanum faces severe pressure from overcollection for the international orchid trade, where its distinctive blooms command high prices among collectors. The species' extremely restricted range in limestone karst formations makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat destruction from quarrying and agricultural expansion. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific microclimate conditions this orchid requires in its cave-adjacent habitats.

Threat summary

Habitat

This terrestrial orchid inhabits limestone karst formations and cave entrances in montane forests of northern Vietnam and southern China. It grows in the filtered light and high humidity conditions found near cave mouths and limestone crevices, typically at elevations between 800-1500 meters.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

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

Other threatened species in ORCHIDACEAE

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Unknown
CR

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VU

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Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Henry's Paphiopedilum classified as Critically Endangered?
Henry'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 henryanum faces severe pressure from overcollection for the international orchid trade, where its distinctive blooms command high prices among collectors. The species' extremely restricted range in limestone karst formations makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat destruction from quarrying and agricultural expansion. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific microclimate conditions this orchid requires in its cave-adjacent habitats.
Where does Henry's Paphiopedilum live?
Henry's Paphiopedilum occurs in China, 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 Henry's Paphiopedilum?
The main threats to Henry's Paphiopedilum are 11.1, 11.2, 5.3, and 5.4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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