Earth-cup Flapwort
Nardia geoscyphus
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Johannes Merz, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND), uploaded by Johannes Merz
Overview
Earth-cup Flapwort (Nardia geoscyphus) is a small, leafy liverwort characterized by its distinctive cup-shaped reproductive structures and flattened, scale-like leaves arranged in two rows along creeping stems. This bryophyte forms thin, dark green to brownish mats on soil and rock surfaces, playing a crucial role in preventing erosion and creating microhabitats for other small organisms in its ecosystem.
Earth-cup Flapwort (Nardia geoscyphus) is critically endangered due to its extremely limited distribution and vulnerability to habitat degradation. This rare bryophyte species faces severe threats from climate change, habitat destruction, and human disturbance to its specialized microhabitat requirements.
Habitat
Earth-cup Flapwort grows on moist, acidic soil banks, particularly along stream edges and in shaded ravines where consistent humidity levels are maintained. It is also found on damp, north-facing rock ledges and cliff faces in montane regions where water seepage provides the necessary moisture.
Other threatened species in Gymnomitriaceae
Threatened in Åland Islands
Frequently asked questions
Why is Earth-cup Flapwort classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Earth-cup Flapwort live?
What are the main threats to Earth-cup Flapwort?
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