VU

Showy Miltoniopsis

Miltoniopsis vexillaria

Unknown

Overview

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

Miltoniopsis vexillaria faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as cloud forests across its Colombian and Ecuadorian range are cleared for agriculture and urban development. The species is particularly vulnerable due to its narrow altitudinal requirements and dependence on specific epiphytic microhabitats that are easily disrupted. Over-collection for the international orchid trade has further reduced wild populations, with collectors targeting the species for its distinctive pansy-like flowers.

Threat summary

Habitat

This epiphytic orchid inhabits cloud forests and montane rainforests at elevations between 1,500-2,800 meters in the Andes of Colombia and Ecuador. It grows on moss-covered tree trunks and branches in areas with high humidity and consistent moisture from cloud cover.

Other threatened species in Orchidaceae

CR

Huntleya apiculata

Unknown
Masdevallia niesseniaeCR

Masdevallia niesseniae

Unknown
Lepanthes diaziaeCR

Lepanthes diaziae

Unknown
EN

Restrepia tsubotae

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Showy Miltoniopsis classified as Vulnerable?
Showy Miltoniopsis is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Miltoniopsis vexillaria faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as cloud forests across its Colombian and Ecuadorian range are cleared for agriculture and urban development. The species is particularly vulnerable due to its narrow altitudinal requirements and dependence on specific epiphytic microhabitats that are easily disrupted. Over-collection for the international orchid trade has further reduced wild populations, with collectors targeting the species for its distinctive pansy-like flowers.
Where does Showy Miltoniopsis live?
Showy Miltoniopsis 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 Showy Miltoniopsis?
The main threats to Showy Miltoniopsis 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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