Masdevallia coccinea
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.
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.
