Scarlet Masdevallia
EN

Scarlet Masdevallia

Masdevallia coccinea

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masdevallia_coccinea

Overview

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

Masdevallia coccinea faces severe pressure from overcollection for the international orchid trade, where its striking scarlet flowers command high prices among collectors. Habitat destruction through deforestation and agricultural expansion in Colombia's cloud forest regions has fragmented remaining populations. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the cool, humid conditions essential for this high-altitude orchid's survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This epiphytic orchid inhabits cool, humid cloud forests and montane regions of the Colombian Andes, typically growing on moss-covered tree branches and rocks at elevations between 2,000-3,500 meters. It requires consistent moisture and filtered light conditions found in these high-altitude ecosystems.

Other threatened species in Orchidaceae

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Epipactis atrorubens

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Broughtonia cubensis

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Huntleya apiculata

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Scarlet Masdevallia classified as Endangered?
Scarlet Masdevallia is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Masdevallia coccinea faces severe pressure from overcollection for the international orchid trade, where its striking scarlet flowers command high prices among collectors. Habitat destruction through deforestation and agricultural expansion in Colombia's cloud forest regions has fragmented remaining populations. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the cool, humid conditions essential for this high-altitude orchid's survival.
Where does Scarlet Masdevallia live?
Scarlet Masdevallia occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Scarlet Masdevallia?
The main threats to Scarlet Masdevallia are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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