Dentists' Bane
Cristinia eichleri
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.
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Filip Fuljer, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Filip Fuljer
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Basidiomycota
Class
Agaricomycetes
Order
Agaricales
Family
Stephanosporaceae
Genus
Cristinia
Dentists' Bane belongs to the family Stephanosporaceae, order Agaricales, within the Agaricomycetes class.
Species Profile
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.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
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.
Threats
Agricultural expansion and land conversion
Urban development and infrastructure projects
Climate change impacts on specialized microhabitats
Habitat fragmentation
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Dentists' Bane (Cristinia eichleri). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/dentists-bane