Phragmipedium besseae is a terrestrial orchid that is endemic to wet montane forests on the eastern slope of the Andes Mountains in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. This plant remained unknown outside of its native range until 1981, when it was located and described by plant taxonomists. The unusual vivid red color of the flower attracted orchid collectors and hybridizers, and a huge commercial demand for the species developed. Over-collection coupled with habitat destruction soon drove many populations of Phragmipedium besseae to the brink of extinction. In an effort to protect remaining populations, Phragmipedium species are listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which bans trade in wild-collected plants.
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