Orchid conservation in Madagascar
As orchids become more threatened in the wild by over-collection
and changes in their habitats, it is essential that every possible
opportunity is taken to conserve them.
Orchids form the largest plant family in Madagascar, with over
1,000 known species on the island. Ninety percent are found nowhere
else on Earth, and many are naturally very rare, known from just
one or two locations. Commercial collecting for the horticulture
trade is a big threat to the most beautiful and rarest orchids -
those most in demand are already on the verge of extinction. And
all Madagascar's orchids face loss of habitat through logging and
clearance for agriculture.
Orchids under threat
Bulbophyllum hamelinii A stunning epiphytic orchid
from the humid rainforest of the eastern escarpment, a habitat suffering
from rapid deforestation.
Eulophiella
roempleriana One of Madagascar's largest orchids it has
been collected from all its accessible sites for its bright rose-purple
flowers - Kew botanists have only seen it twice in the wild.
Angraecum longicalcar May already be extinct
in the wild surviving only in a few conservation collections.
Angraecum magdalenae A spectacular orchid pollinated
by moths, but collected almost to extinction from certain areas.
Aeranthes henrici A beautiful epiphytic orchid, found
in the rapidly disappearing humid forests in the north and north
east of the island.
Grammangis
spectabilis Now seldom seen in its natural habitat - the
rapidly disappearing dry forest and woods of south western Madagascar.
Find out more
Kew's
orchid conservation work in Madagascar
More plants
Back
up to: orchids index
See also
Palms
of Madagascar
Succulents
of Madagascar
Threatened
Plants of Madagascar Appeal
Buy
The Orchids of Madagascar at kewbooks.com
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