VU

Platystele pubescens

Unknown

Overview

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

Platystele pubescens faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat conversion throughout its limited range in Central American cloud forests. The species' extremely small size and specialized epiphytic lifestyle make it particularly vulnerable to microclimate changes caused by forest fragmentation. Agricultural expansion and coffee cultivation have eliminated much of its preferred montane habitat, while climate change threatens to shift suitable temperature and humidity zones beyond the species' dispersal capabilities.

Threat summary

Habitat

This miniature orchid inhabits humid montane cloud forests between 1,200-2,400 meters elevation, growing as an epiphyte on moss-covered tree branches and trunks. It requires consistently high humidity and cool temperatures typical of Central American cloud forest ecosystems.

Other threatened species in Orchidaceae

CR

Benthamia nigrovaginata

Unknown
Dark-red HelleborineCR

Dark-red Helleborine

Epipactis atrorubens

Unknown
CR

Broughtonia cubensis

Unknown
CR

Huntleya apiculata

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Platystele pubescens classified as Vulnerable?
Platystele pubescens 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. Platystele pubescens faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat conversion throughout its limited range in Central American cloud forests. The species' extremely small size and specialized epiphytic lifestyle make it particularly vulnerable to microclimate changes caused by forest fragmentation. Agricultural expansion and coffee cultivation have eliminated much of its preferred montane habitat, while climate change threatens to shift suitable temperature and humidity zones beyond the species' dispersal capabilities.
Where does Platystele pubescens live?
Platystele pubescens 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 Platystele pubescens?
The main threats to Platystele pubescens 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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