The Orchids of Ecuador
The orchid family comprises approximately one-third of the total endemic vascular plant species of Ecuador (1710 orchid spp.). In other words, three (3) out of every ten (10) endemic plants in Ecuador is an orchid.
In Ecuador, orchids can be found in all ...more ↓
The Orchids of Ecuador
The orchid family comprises approximately one-third of the total endemic vascular plant species of Ecuador (1710 orchid spp.). In other words, three (3) out of every ten (10) endemic plants in Ecuador is an orchid.
In Ecuador, orchids can be found in all habitats within 0 to 4500 meters (m) in elevation. The majority of endemic orchids occur in montane microhabitats between 1500-3000m, especially in the low montane and cloud montane forests.
A high proportion of the endemic orchids are confined to small areas, restricted to narrow altitudinal ranges (100-300m). More than half (58%) of the endemic orchids are restricted to one forest type, 26% to two forest types, 10% to three forest types, and only 6% to four or more forest types.
The combination of small distribution profiles and fast forest conversion is a challenge for orchid conservation efforts, especially because only a small fraction of the species has been registered.
85% of the endemic orchids of Ecuador are threatened: 2% Critically Endangered, 11% Endangered and 87% Vulnerable.
The orchid flora of Ecuador belongs mainly to subtribe Pleurothallidinae (65%), distantly followed by subtribe Laeliinae (12%) and subtribe Oncidiinae (9%).
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