Pyramidal Orchid
VU

Pyramidal Orchid

Anacamptis pyramidalis

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Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anacamptis_pyramidalis

Overview

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

The Pyramidal Orchid faces significant decline across its European range due to intensive agricultural practices that eliminate the chalk grasslands and calcareous meadows it requires. Agricultural intensification, including increased fertilizer use and conversion to arable farming, has destroyed much of its specialized habitat. Urban development and quarrying activities further fragment remaining populations, while changes in traditional grazing patterns allow scrubland to encroach on the open grassland conditions this orchid needs to thrive.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Pyramidal Orchid inhabits chalk downs, limestone grasslands, and calcareous meadows across Europe, requiring well-drained alkaline soils with low nutrient levels. It thrives in short grassland maintained by traditional grazing, often found on coastal cliffs, downland slopes, and ancient meadow systems where the specialized soil conditions support its mycorrhizal partnerships.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Orchidaceae

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Huntleya apiculata

Unknown
Masdevallia niesseniaeCR

Masdevallia niesseniae

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Encyclia nematocaulonCR

Encyclia nematocaulon

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Lepanthes diaziaeCR

Lepanthes diaziae

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Pyramidal Orchid classified as Vulnerable?
Pyramidal Orchid 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. The Pyramidal Orchid faces significant decline across its European range due to intensive agricultural practices that eliminate the chalk grasslands and calcareous meadows it requires. Agricultural intensification, including increased fertilizer use and conversion to arable farming, has destroyed much of its specialized habitat. Urban development and quarrying activities further fragment remaining populations, while changes in traditional grazing patterns allow scrubland to encroach on the open grassland conditions this orchid needs to thrive.
Where does Pyramidal Orchid live?
Pyramidal Orchid 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 Pyramidal Orchid?
The main threats to Pyramidal Orchid 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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