CR

Primrose Yellow Paphiopedilum

Paphiopedilum primulinum

Declining

Overview

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

Paphiopedilum primulinum faces severe pressure from overcollection for the international orchid trade, where its distinctive yellow flowers command high prices among collectors. Habitat destruction through deforestation and agricultural conversion in its limited Sumatran range has further reduced available growing sites. The species' extremely slow growth rate and specific mycorrhizal requirements make population recovery exceptionally difficult once disturbed.

Threat summary

Habitat

This terrestrial orchid inhabits the understory of lowland and hill dipterocarp forests in Sumatra, typically growing in humus-rich soils with specific mycorrhizal associations. It occurs at elevations between 200-800 meters in areas with high humidity and filtered sunlight.

Forest· majorRocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoverySpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservationLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Primrose Yellow Paphiopedilum classified as Critically Endangered?
Primrose Yellow Paphiopedilum 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. Paphiopedilum primulinum faces severe pressure from overcollection for the international orchid trade, where its distinctive yellow flowers command high prices among collectors. Habitat destruction through deforestation and agricultural conversion in its limited Sumatran range has further reduced available growing sites. The species' extremely slow growth rate and specific mycorrhizal requirements make population recovery exceptionally difficult once disturbed.
Where does Primrose Yellow Paphiopedilum live?
Primrose Yellow Paphiopedilum occurs in China, Indonesia, Sweden, and United States. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Primrose Yellow Paphiopedilum?
The main threats to Primrose Yellow Paphiopedilum are 5.3, 5.4, 8.3, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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