VU

Gastrodia elata

Unknown

Overview

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

Gastrodia elata faces severe pressure from intensive commercial harvesting for traditional medicine, where its tubers are highly valued as a neurological remedy. Wild populations have declined dramatically due to over-collection combined with habitat degradation from deforestation and agricultural expansion across its East Asian range. The species' complex ecological requirements, including specific mycorrhizal fungal partnerships, make recovery particularly challenging once populations are depleted.

Threat summary

Habitat

Gastrodia elata inhabits temperate deciduous and mixed forests across East Asia, particularly in mountainous regions with rich, well-drained soils. This saprophytic orchid depends entirely on specific mycorrhizal fungi for nutrition, typically growing in forest understories at elevations between 400-1,500 meters.

Other threatened species in ORCHIDACEAE

EN

Porpax angustifolia

Unknown
EN

Polystachya longiscapa

Unknown
CR

The Lost Spathoglottis

Spathoglottis arunachalensis

Declining
VU

Disperis galerita

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Gastrodia elata classified as Vulnerable?
Gastrodia elata 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. Gastrodia elata faces severe pressure from intensive commercial harvesting for traditional medicine, where its tubers are highly valued as a neurological remedy. Wild populations have declined dramatically due to over-collection combined with habitat degradation from deforestation and agricultural expansion across its East Asian range. The species' complex ecological requirements, including specific mycorrhizal fungal partnerships, make recovery particularly challenging once populations are depleted.
Where does Gastrodia elata live?
Gastrodia elata 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 Gastrodia elata?
The main threats to Gastrodia elata 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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