Ceratocentron
Ceratocentron·Critically Endangered
Ceratocentron is a monotypic genus of critically endangered orchids, with its sole species, Ceratocentron fesselii, native to the high altitudes of Luzon island in the Philippines. Discovered relatively recently in 1989, its rarity in the wild is exacerbated by habitat degradation and over-collection for the international orchid trade.
Key Facts
- ›Ceratocentron fesselii is the only known species within the Ceratocentron genus.
- ›It is found in the Cordillera Mountain ranges and high altitudes of Nueva Vizcaya and Nueva Ecija provinces on Luzon island, Philippines.
- ›The species was first described by science in 1989.
- ›Ceratocentron is classified as critically endangered.
- ›Habitat degradation and over-collection for the orchid trade are the primary threats to its survival.
High Altitudes
About Ceratocentron
What is Ceratocentron?
Ceratocentron is a genus of plants belonging to the family Orchidaceae. It is a monotypic genus, meaning it contains only a single known species: Ceratocentron fesselii. This orchid is found exclusively in the Philippines, inhabiting high-altitude regions of Luzon island.
Discovery and Conservation Status
Ceratocentron fesselii remained unknown to science until its description in 1989. Despite its relatively recent discovery, the species is classified as critically endangered. Its rarity in the wild is attributed to significant threats, primarily habitat degradation and excessive collecting for the international orchid trade. These factors have led to a substantial decline in its wild populations.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ceratocentron fesselii?
Ceratocentron fesselii is the only known species in the monotypic genus Ceratocentron. It is a type of orchid native to the Philippines.
Where is Ceratocentron fesselii found?
This orchid species is found at high altitudes in the Cordillera Mountain ranges, specifically in Nueva Vizcaya and Nueva Ecija provinces on Luzon island in the Philippines. The holotype was discovered in northern Nueva Ecija.
Why is Ceratocentron fesselii endangered?
Ceratocentron fesselii is critically endangered due to a combination of habitat degradation and excessive collecting. Over-collection to meet demand in the international orchid trade has significantly contributed to its decline.
When was Ceratocentron fesselii discovered?
Ceratocentron fesselii remained unknown to science until 1989, making it a relatively recent discovery in the botanical world.
Related Orchid species
Calyptrochilum
Calyptrochilum is a genus of orchids belonging to the Orchidaceae family, primarily found in tropical Africa, with one species extending to Brazil. As of 2020, three species are recognized, with one notable for its bright golden flowers and critically endangered status.
Corymborkis
Corymborkis is a genus of terrestrial orchids found across tropical regions worldwide. These evergreen plants are known for their leafy stems, pleated leaves, and widely-opening flowers, which are typically greenish-white and arranged in crowded clusters. The genus name itself reflects the characteristic bunched arrangement of their blooms.
Erythrorchis
Erythrorchis, also known as bootlace orchids or by its Chinese name 倒吊兰属 (dao diao lan shu), is a genus of two species of climbing, leafless orchids in the Orchidaceae family. These myco-heterotrophic vines cling to tree trunks with small roots and produce densely crowded flowers on branched stems, distinguished by their fleshy sepals and petals and a wide labellum.