Corkstar Puffball
EN

Corkstar Puffball

Mycenastrum corium

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycenastrum

Overview

Mycenastrum is a fungal genus in the family Agaricaceae. The genus is monotypic, containing one widely distributed species, Mycenastrum corium, known by various common names: the giant pasture puffball, leathery puffball, or tough puffball.

The Corkstar Puffball faces significant decline due to habitat loss from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range. Climate change and altered precipitation patterns are disrupting the specific soil and moisture conditions this fungus requires for fruiting and spore dispersal.

Threat summary

Habitat

The puffball is widely distributed, and has been recorded in Africa (Zimbabwe), Asia (China, India, Iran, Mongolia, and Yemen), South America (Argentina, Chile and Uruguay), North America, Australia, and New Zealand. In Europe it is found in southern Scandinavia and is widespread to the south of the continent. Although it was reported in Scotland in 2010 (its first appearance on the British...

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Agaricaceae

Cystodermella granulosaVU

Cystodermella granulosa

Unknown
VU

Glatter Schirmling

Lepiota oreadiformis

Unknown
VU

Schwachfilziger Schirmling

Lepiota tomentella

Unknown
Lepiota ignivolvataVU

Lepiota ignivolvata

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Corkstar Puffball classified as Endangered?
Corkstar Puffball is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. The Corkstar Puffball faces significant decline due to habitat loss from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range. Climate change and altered precipitation patterns are disrupting the specific soil and moisture conditions this fungus requires for fruiting and spore dispersal.
Where does Corkstar Puffball live?
Corkstar Puffball 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 Corkstar Puffball?
The main threats to Corkstar Puffball 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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