Musk Orchid
Herminium monorchis
Conservation status data sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herminium_monorchis
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Liliopsida
Order
Asparagales
Family
Orchidaceae
Genus
Herminium
Musk Orchid belongs to the family Orchidaceae, order Asparagales, within the Liliopsida class.
Species Profile
Species profile data sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
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.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
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.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
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.
Abandonment of traditional grazing practices
Climate change altering suitable habitat conditions
Habitat loss from agricultural intensification
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
Recreational disturbance and trampling
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (CR).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | DDData Deficient | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | DDData Deficient | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Musk Orchid (Herminium monorchis). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/musk-orchid