Musk Orchid
CR

Musk Orchid

Herminium monorchis

UnknownDDEUDDEU

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

Overview

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

The Musk Orchid faces severe population declines across its range due to habitat destruction and degradation of its specialized grassland ecosystems. Agricultural intensification, urban development, and changes in traditional land management practices have eliminated many suitable sites, while climate change threatens the delicate ecological balance required for this species' survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

Calcareous grasslands, chalk downs, and limestone pavements, typically in short-turf areas maintained by grazing. Also found in dune slacks, machair, and occasionally in open woodland clearings on alkaline soils.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Orchidaceae

CR

Huntleya apiculata

Unknown
Masdevallia niesseniaeCR

Masdevallia niesseniae

Unknown
Encyclia nematocaulonCR

Encyclia nematocaulon

Unknown
Lepanthes diaziaeCR

Lepanthes diaziae

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Musk Orchid classified as Critically Endangered?
Musk Orchid 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. The Musk Orchid faces severe population declines across its range due to habitat destruction and degradation of its specialized grassland ecosystems. Agricultural intensification, urban development, and changes in traditional land management practices have eliminated many suitable sites, while climate change threatens the delicate ecological balance required for this species' survival.
Where does Musk Orchid live?
Musk Orchid 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 Musk Orchid?
The main threats to Musk Orchid 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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