Anathallis minutalis

Forests in the region are suffering from high rates of deforestation and fragmentation. The ability of this species to regenerate and persist in disturbed forests and secondary vegetation is unknown. As an epiphyte, it grows high up on tall trees, which may hinder illegal collecting. Also, the commonly called “insignificant Pleurothallis”, may not be the most sought after orchids of the region, by collectors. There is enough evidence to suggest that climate change should reduce the habitat available to montane and alpine plant species (Scarano 2007). How this may impact the population dynamics of this species is unknown.

This species occurs within numerous conservation units throughout its range. The taxon is grown in botanical institutions and by hobbyists. The international trade of this species is protected under CITES Appendix II.

The taxon has recently been assessed as not threatened in Oaxaca (Gomez et al. 2008). It is extremely small and easily overlooked in the wild. As en epiphyte, the taxon is reported to occur in open tall forest with plants growing on upper branches and to be usually only found on recently felled timber (Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopaedia 2004). Due to the high level of threats to the native orchids of the region, the population should be monitored regularly. Seeds should be collected for germplasm conservation.