Jan 27 2023
Paphiopedilum is genus of slipper orchid found in tropical Asia, from eastern India and northern Myanmar to Papua New Guinea. Among the most critically endangered of all orchids, many Paphiopedilum are extreemly rare in the wild, facing pressure from habitat loss and poaching. In fact, two recently described species (P. vietnamemsis and P. canhii) were nearly wiped out by poaching after they were formally described to science. The international trade of endangered species is covered by the CITES treaty, which includes orchids like Paphiopedilum, as well as elephant ivory and pangolins.
The New York Botanical Garden is leading conservation efforts around the world, in close collaboration and partnership with local and indigenous community groups and government agencies, to ensure threatened plants have a path towards recovery.