Brown Flapwort
VU

Brown Flapwort

Odontoschisma elongatum

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Connor, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Connor

Overview

Brown Flapwort (Odontoschisma elongatum) is a small leafy liverwort characterized by its distinctive brown to reddish-brown coloration and elongated, flattened shoots that form loose mats on substrate surfaces. This bryophyte plays an important ecological role in nutrient cycling and moisture retention in its specialized microhabitats, while also providing shelter for microscopic invertebrates.

Brown Flapwort faces significant threats from habitat degradation and loss due to air pollution, acid rain, and climate change affecting the specialized bryophyte communities it depends on. The species is particularly vulnerable to changes in moisture levels and atmospheric chemistry that alter the delicate balance of its epiphytic and terrestrial moss habitats.

Threat summary

Habitat

Occupies humid temperate and boreal forests, growing as an epiphyte on tree bark and decaying wood, particularly on conifers and deciduous trees in areas with high atmospheric moisture. Also found on acidic soil, rocks, and peat in woodland clearings and bog margins.

Other threatened species in Cephaloziaceae

VU

Matchstick Flapwort

Odontoschisma denudatum

Unknown
Macoun's cephaloziaCR

Macoun's cephalozia

Cephalozia macounii

Unknown
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twotoothed cephalozia

Cephalozia bicuspidata

Unknown
Bog-moss FlapwortVU

Bog-moss Flapwort

Odontoschisma sphagni

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Brown Flapwort classified as Vulnerable?
Brown Flapwort is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Brown Flapwort faces significant threats from habitat degradation and loss due to air pollution, acid rain, and climate change affecting the specialized bryophyte communities it depends on. The species is particularly vulnerable to changes in moisture levels and atmospheric chemistry that alter the delicate balance of its epiphytic and terrestrial moss habitats.
Where does Brown Flapwort live?
Brown Flapwort occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Brown Flapwort?
The main threats to Brown Flapwort are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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