Paphiopedilum thaianum
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paphiopedilum_thaianum
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Paphiopedilum thaianum faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the international orchid trade, with its striking slipper-shaped flowers making it highly sought after by collectors. The species' extremely limited range in western Thailand makes entire populations vulnerable to overcollection, while habitat degradation from limestone quarrying and agricultural expansion further reduces available growing sites. Climate change poses an additional threat to this limestone-dependent species, as altered precipitation patterns could disrupt the specific moisture conditions required for survival.
Habitat
This terrestrial orchid grows exclusively on limestone substrates in deciduous forests and forest margins of western Thailand. It typically occurs in areas with good drainage but consistent moisture, often in partially shaded locations where leaf litter accumulates among limestone rocks.
