Orchids are one of the largest and most diverse flower families in the world, with tens of thousands of different species. Their unique beauty, vibrant colors and unusual shapes make them sought after and widely grown across continents. In Vietnam, where there is a rich tropical forest ecosystem, many pristine wild orchid species were once the pride of the native flora. However, many of them are now facing extinction and have been listed in the Vietnam Red Book - a list of species that need strict protection.
Below are some of the most notable names among the rare orchid species, many of which are only recorded in a few locations across the country.
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| Coelogyne eberhardtii - Another species found only in Lam Dong, it lives on trees or in pine forests at an altitude of 1,400 - 2,150m. The flowers are creamy white, have a gentle fragrance, and have a rare elegance. |
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| Aerides rubescens is also known by the popular name of the pink swallow orchid, this species blooms in April, growing on forest tree branches at an altitude of 1,000 - 1,800m. Currently only recorded in Lam Dong province. |
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| Cleisostomopsis eberhardtii lives in tropical rainforests at an altitude of 1,400 - 1,800m. Cleisostomopsis eberhardtii often clings to pine branches or other trees in Da Lat (Lam Dong). The flowers have a graceful shape and gentle colors. |
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| Acampe bidoupensis is newly discovered in Lam Dong. This orchid species lives in sparse forests from an altitude of 200 to 1,500m. The name “Bi Dup” is associated with the Bidoup - Nui Ba area, one of the important ecological regions of Vietnam. |
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| Habenaria praetermissa – A terrestrial orchid species found at low elevations (100–200m), first discovered in Ha Nam Province. It blooms in October with soft white-green flowers. Besides Vietnam, this species is also found in China. |
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| Renanthera annamensis with a bright red color as its name suggests. This orchid species lives on tree trunks in Da Lat (Lam Dong), at an altitude of 1,200 - 1,600m. Its rarity and unique beauty make this species extremely sought after by orchid enthusiasts. |
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| Dendrobium gratiosissimum is known for its charming pinkish-purple blossoms, this orchid grows epiphytically on tree trunks in tropical forests at elevations around 1,500 meters. In Vietnam, it is found in Quang Tri, Gia Lai, Kon Tum, and Lam Dong provinces, as well as in several neighboring countries. |
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| Dendrobium daoense blooms from April to June. This orchid is known for its slender form and typically grows on large trees in primary forests at elevations between 900 and 1,200 meters. It is native to Thai Nguyen and Vinh Phuc provinces. |
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| Dendrobium nobile var. alboluteum is a rare branch of the nobile orchid species. Gia Lu orchid has white flowers mixed with yellow, grows on trees at an altitude of about 1,200m, currently only found in Gia Lai. |
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| Dendrobium bellatulum is typically blooms between July and August. This striking orchid is found in Kon Tum, Lam Dong, as well as in several regional countries including India, China, Myanmar, and Thailand. It thrives on large tree trunks, including old pine trees at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,500 meters. |
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| Bulbophyllum averyanovii is one of the rare endemic species recorded only in Chu Pah (Gia Lai). Averyanov orchid lives on tree trunks in tropical forests at an altitude of 600 - 900m. This species stands out for its strange shape and attractive flower color. |
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| Monomeria dichroma with a gentle beauty. This orchid species usually blooms in April, distributed sporadically from Cao Bang, Lam Dong to Khanh Hoa, Kon Tum. They grow at an altitude of 700 - 2,250m and can regenerate from buds and seeds. |
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| Anoectochilus chapaensis is considered as the “treasure of the Northwest mountains and forests”. This orchid species blooms around October - December every year. They grow scattered under the canopy of humid forests, preferring shade, at an altitude of 1,500 – 1,800m. Currently found mainly in Sa Pa (Lao Cai) and Bach Ma (Thua Thien - Hue). |
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