Taxonomy
Scientific Name
Polystachya modesta Rchb.f.
Higher Classification
Monocotyledons
Family
ORCHIDACEAE
Synonyms
Polystachya concreta (Jacq.) Garay & Sweet (in part), Polystachya rigidula Rchb.f., Polystachya similis Rchb.f.
National Status
Status and Criteria
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2021/04/13
Assessor(s)
H. Mtshali
Justification
This epiphytic species has a limited distribution along the KwaZulu-Natal coast, with an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 19 094 km² and an area of occupancy (AOO) of 76 km². It has no known threats and is therefore listed as Least Concern.
Distribution
Endemism
Not endemic to South Africa
Provincial distribution
KwaZulu-Natal
Range
This species occurs in KwaZulu-Natal along the coast, from Durban to Kosi Bay. It also has a wide distribution in tropical Africa.
Habitat and Ecology
Major system
Terrestrial
Major habitats
Sand Forest, Northern Coastal Forest
Description
It is found in riverine forests and bushland.
Threats
There are no known threats to this species.
Population

|It is known from many subpopulations, and with no known threats, the population is suspected to be stable.


Population trend
Stable
Assessment History
Taxon assessed
Status and Criteria
Citation/Red List version
Polystachya modesta Rchb.f.Least Concern Raimondo et al. (2009)
Bibliography

Johnson, S. and Bytebier, B. 2015. Orchids of South Africa: A field guide. Struik Nature, Cape Town.


Linder, H.P. and Kurzweil, H. 1999. Orchids of southern Africa. A.A. Balkema, Rotterdam.


Raimondo, D., von Staden, L., Foden, W., Victor, J.E., Helme, N.A., Turner, R.C., Kamundi, D.A. and Manyama, P.A. 2009. Red List of South African Plants. Strelitzia 25. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.


Citation
Mtshali, H. 2021. Polystachya modesta Rchb.f. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2025/04/18

Comment on this assessment Comment on this assessment
Distribution map


Search for images of Polystachya modesta on iNaturalist