Dracula Orchid: The Gothic-Looking Flower That Poachers Can't Get Enough of

A new study found that 121 of 133 Dracula orchid species have been legally traded internationally since 1981.

The trade totals more than 112,000 plants across dozens of countries, with many records listed as artificially propagated despite uncertain origins.

Researchers say 69% of the genus is threatened, and many species are known from only a few sites in the Andes.

The findings raise concerns about whether trade and online popularity are outpacing conservation oversight for these poorly studied orchids.