Dentists' Bane
VU

Dentists' Bane

Cristinia eichleri

Unknown

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

Overview

Dentists' Bane (Cristinia eichleri) is a distinctive succulent plant characterized by its thick, crystalline-textured leaves that form dense rosettes and produce small white flowers with remarkably hard, tooth-like projections. This hardy perennial serves as a crucial pioneer species in disturbed soils, helping to stabilize erosion-prone areas while providing nectar for specialized pollinators during its brief flowering period.

Cristinia eichleri faces significant pressure from habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and urban development throughout its range. The species' specialized habitat requirements and limited distribution make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and human encroachment.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits specialized rocky outcrops, cliff faces, and associated vegetation communities in semi-arid regions. It shows particular preference for areas with specific geological formations and microclimatic conditions that support its unique ecological requirements.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Stephanosporaceae

VU

Stachelsporige Lindtneria

Lindtneria trachyspora

Unknown
EN

Goldgelber Rindenpilz

Athelidium aurantiacum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Dentists' Bane classified as Vulnerable?
Dentists' Bane 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. Cristinia eichleri faces significant pressure from habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and urban development throughout its range. The species' specialized habitat requirements and limited distribution make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and human encroachment.
Where does Dentists' Bane live?
Dentists' Bane 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 Dentists' Bane?
The main threats to Dentists' Bane 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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