Stereocaulon coniophyllum
Local name: forspåskrislav
Stereocaulon coniophyllum is a distinctive fruticose lichen species characterized by its branched, coral-like thallus structure with small, scale-like phyllocladiae covering the surface. This slow-growing lichen forms small cushions or mats on exposed substrates and plays a crucial role in primary succession, helping to break down rock surfaces and create soil for other organisms while providing specialized microhabitats for invertebrates.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Ascomycota
Class
Lecanoromycetes
Order
Lecanorales
Family
Stereocaulaceae
Genus
Stereocaulon
Stereocaulon coniophyllum belongs to the family Stereocaulaceae, order Lecanorales, within the Lecanoromycetes class.
Species Profile
Stereocaulon coniophyllum is a distinctive fruticose lichen species characterized by its branched, coral-like thallus structure with small, scale-like phyllocladiae covering the surface. This slow-growing lichen forms small cushions or mats on exposed substrates and plays a crucial role in primary succession, helping to break down rock surfaces and create soil for other organisms while providing specialized microhabitats for invertebrates.
Stereocaulon coniophyllum, a lichen species, faces severe threats primarily from habitat degradation and climate change impacts on its specialized arctic and subarctic environments. Air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur compounds, significantly affects lichen communities by altering their sensitive physiological processes. The species' extremely limited distribution and slow growth rates make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This lichen grows on exposed siliceous rocks, particularly granite and quartzite outcrops in montane and subalpine environments. It typically colonizes wind-exposed cliff faces, boulder fields, and rocky ridges where it can access adequate light while avoiding competition from faster-growing vegetation.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Stereocaulon coniophyllum, a lichen species, faces severe threats primarily from habitat degradation and climate change impacts on its specialized arctic and subarctic environments. Air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur compounds, significantly affects lichen communities by altering their sensitive physiological processes. The species' extremely limited distribution and slow growth rates make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes.
Air pollution and atmospheric deposition
Climate change and temperature shifts
Habitat degradation and fragmentation
Limited distribution and small population size
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). Stereocaulon coniophyllum (Stereocaulon coniophyllum). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/forspaskrislav