Imerinaea madagascarica, a terrestrial or epiphytic orchid, can be found growing at the base of tree trunks. It is endemic to Madagascar, and is typically found in mossy and lichen-rich montane forests on shaded and humid rocks, as well as in subhumid forests. Its elevational range spans from 1,000 to 1,591 m.

The species is known from nine collections, made between 1922 (Perrier de la Bâthie 14631) and 2012 (Antilahimena 8389). The nine collections represent nine occurrences of which five were made within five protected areas. The four remaining occurrences are located in unprotected areas and are exposed to various threats. These threats include forest degradation due to shifting agriculture (Ambohimiadana and Sud Ambositra), slash-and-burn agriculture (Mandraka, near Andasibe), logging and wood harvesting for subsistence (Mandraka, Corridor Forestier Analamay Mantadia), mining exploitation activities (Ankitrokely), and the risk of fire (Mandraka). The occurrence at Torotorofotsy Protected Area (Antilahimena 7016) coincides with the Conservation Zone surrounding the footprint of a mining project undergoing intense human pressure such as forest clearing. The area where the species is known to exist within the mining site is nearly encircled by access roads and areas undergoing active surface mining, making it highly likely that the quality of its habitat will be adversely affected. One occurrence from the protected area of Analamazaotra-Perinet (Louis 1264) is also undergoing intense human pressure from forest clearing. The occurrence at Sud d’Ambositra (Bosser 18938) is threatened by the conversion of land into cultivation. Due to the growing demand for agricultural land, it is likely that this forest will gradually disappear, contributing to a continuing decline in EOO.

The extent of occurrence (EOO) of the species is estimated to be 25,738 km² (exceeding the upper limit for Vulnerable status under criterion B1) whereas its area of occupancy (AOO) is estimated at 36 km² (within the limits for Endangered status under the criterion B2). The nine existing occurrences represent a total of nine locations (sensu IUCN 2022) with respect to the most serious plausible threat, shifting agriculture. It is inferred that ongoing loss of its habitat will induce a continuing decline in EOO, AOO, habitat extent and quality, and the number of subpopulations and mature individuals. Imerinaea madagascarica is therefore assigned a Vulnerable status under criterion B2;VU B2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v).

Imerinaea madagascarica, a terrestrial or epiphytic orchid endemic to Madagascar, is known from four Regions: Analamanga (Mandraka and Ambohimiadana) in the formerly recognized Province of Antananarivo, Alaotra-Mangoro (Corridor Forestier Analamay Mantadia, Périnet, Ankitrokely and Analamazaotra-Perinet) in the formerly recognized Province of Toamasina, Sava (Beondroka and Anjanaharibe Sud) in the formerly recognized Province of Antsiranana, and Amoron'i Mania (Ambositra) in formerly recognized Province of Fianarantsoa (Madagascar Catalogue 2022).

The population of Imerinaea madagascarica is currently thought to be decreasing since four occurrences have been collected in unprotected forests (Ambohimiadana, Mandraka, Beondroka, Sud d'Ambositra, Corridor Forestier Analamay Mantadia and Andasibe) that are threatened by shifting agriculture, logging, slash and burn agriculture and fire. The number of mature individuals of I. madagascarica is not known and cannot be estimated since the species is an epiphyte growing on lower trunk of trees in humid forests.

The species is terrestrial or epiphytic orchid growing at the base of the trunk in mossy and lichen-rich montane forest, on shaded and humid rocks and subhumid forests, between 1,000 and 1,591 m elevation (Madagascar Catalogue 2022).

The species is threatened by forest clearing and degradation due to mining exploitation (Ankitrokely), shifting agriculture (Ambohimiadana and Sud Ambositra), slash-and-burn agriculture (Mandraka, Near Andasibe), logging and wood harvesting for subsistence (Mandraka, Corridor Forestier Analamay Mantadia), and fire (Mandraka).

There are no reported uses for this species, but it may be sought after by specialist collectors.

Five occurrences of the species are situated within five protected areas: Analamazaotra National Park, Anjanaharibe National Park, Marojejy National Park, Mantadia National Park, and Torotorofotsy Protected Area. The species is also currently placed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Ex situ conservation is recommended (micro-propagation, seed banking, and living collections). Imerinaea madagascarica should be included in the list of Malagasy protected species. Further awareness building is recommended for local communities and national authorities.