The endangered Daffodil Orchid Ipsea speciosa (Orchidaceae): Population status in unprotected areas in the Central Highlands, Sri Lanka

A recent study reveals that the endangered Daffodil Orchid, Ipsea speciosa, faces significant threats outside protected areas in Sri Lanka's Central Highlands. Populations of this rare terrestrial orchid vary drastically across nine unprotected grasslands, with as few as 2 to 23 flowering plants per site. The research identifies habitat deterioration, intentional burning, vegetation clearing, and the spread of invasive alien species as primary risks, exacerbating the decline of native flora, including I. speciosa. Notably, invasive species are rapidly encroaching, suggesting further population shrinkage if current trends persist. Anthropogenic activities such as illegal medicinal collection and timber plantations also pose serious threats. The study underscores the urgent need for continuous monitoring programs to track I. speciosa populations and mitigate adverse human impacts on Sri Lanka's valuable grasslands.

Kottawa-Arachchi, J. D., Liyanage, M. G. S., Karunarathne, H. K. B. M. I., Abeyweera, N. H. A. S., Kulasinghe, B. Y. M., & Kahawandala, K. R. S. C. B. (2020). The endangered Daffodil Orchid Ipsea speciosa (Orchidaceae): Population status in unprotected areas in the Central Highlands, Sri Lanka. Lankesteriana, 79–90. https://doi.org/10.15517/lank.v20i1.41434