Cystoathyrium chinense
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Cystoathyrium chinense faces severe population decline due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in China. The species' specialized ecological requirements make it particularly vulnerable to forest fragmentation and degradation. Collection pressure for traditional medicine and ornamental purposes has further reduced wild populations, while climate change threatens to alter the specific microhabitat conditions this fern requires for survival.
Habitat
This rare fern species inhabits moist, shaded understory environments in temperate forests of China, typically growing on rocky substrates or forest floors with specific humidity and light conditions. It requires undisturbed forest ecosystems with stable microclimatic conditions to maintain viable populations.
