CR

Polystachya erica-lanzae

Declining

Overview

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

Polystachya erica-lanzae faces severe threats from habitat destruction and fragmentation due to deforestation and agricultural expansion within its limited range. As an epiphytic orchid with highly specific ecological requirements, this species is particularly vulnerable to changes in forest microclimate and the loss of suitable host trees. The combination of restricted distribution and ongoing habitat pressures has pushed this species to the brink of extinction.

Threat summary

Habitat

This epiphytic orchid inhabits humid montane and submontane forests, growing on tree trunks and branches in areas with consistent moisture and filtered light. It typically occurs at elevations between 800-2000 meters in cloud forest environments with high humidity and stable temperatures.

Forest - Subtropical/tropical moist lowland· major

Other threatened species in ORCHIDACEAE

EN

Porpax angustifolia

Unknown
EN

Polystachya longiscapa

Unknown
CR

The Lost Spathoglottis

Spathoglottis arunachalensis

Declining
VU

Disperis galerita

Declining

Threatened in Rwanda

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
VU

Zanthoxylum mildbraedii

Declining
Humped BladderwortCR

Humped Bladderwort

Utricularia gibba

Unknown
VU

Secamone racemosa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Polystachya erica-lanzae classified as Critically Endangered?
Polystachya erica-lanzae 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. Polystachya erica-lanzae faces severe threats from habitat destruction and fragmentation due to deforestation and agricultural expansion within its limited range. As an epiphytic orchid with highly specific ecological requirements, this species is particularly vulnerable to changes in forest microclimate and the loss of suitable host trees. The combination of restricted distribution and ongoing habitat pressures has pushed this species to the brink of extinction.
Where does Polystachya erica-lanzae live?
Polystachya erica-lanzae occurs in Rwanda. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Polystachya erica-lanzae?
The main threats to Polystachya erica-lanzae are 2.3, ai-1, ai-2, and ai-3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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