CR

Purple Paphiopedilum

Paphiopedilum purpuratum

Declining

Overview

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

Paphiopedilum purpuratum faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the international orchid trade, with its striking purple-spotted flowers making it highly sought after by collectors. Habitat destruction through deforestation and agricultural expansion in its native Southeast Asian range has fragmented remaining populations. The species' extremely slow growth rate and specialized pollination requirements make recovery particularly challenging once populations decline.

Threat summary

Habitat

This terrestrial orchid inhabits humid limestone karst forests and rocky outcrops in Southeast Asia, typically growing in shaded areas with well-draining soils. It requires specific mycorrhizal associations and precise moisture conditions found in undisturbed primary forest environments.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Resource & habitat protectionSpecies recoverySpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservationAwareness & communicationsLegislationLinked enterprises & livelihood alternatives

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Purple Paphiopedilum classified as Critically Endangered?
Purple 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 purpuratum faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the international orchid trade, with its striking purple-spotted flowers making it highly sought after by collectors. Habitat destruction through deforestation and agricultural expansion in its native Southeast Asian range has fragmented remaining populations. The species' extremely slow growth rate and specialized pollination requirements make recovery particularly challenging once populations decline.
Where does Purple Paphiopedilum live?
Purple Paphiopedilum occurs in China, Hong Kong SAR China, and Vietnam. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Purple Paphiopedilum?
The main threats to Purple Paphiopedilum are 1.1, 11.1, 11.2, and 4.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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