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

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See also

Palms of Madagascar

Succulents of Madagascar

Threatened Plants of Madagascar Appeal

Buy The Orchids of Madagascar at kewbooks.com