Geriefter Schwefelkopf
Hypholoma ericaeoides
Geriefter Schwefelkopf (Hypholoma ericaeoides) is a distinctive sulfur-yellow capped mushroom with characteristic grooved or ridged features on its cap surface. This saprobic fungus plays a crucial ecological role in decomposing organic matter in acidic, nutrient-poor environments, particularly breaking down woody debris and contributing to soil formation in heathland ecosystems.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Basidiomycota
Class
Agaricomycetes
Order
Agaricales
Family
Strophariaceae
Genus
Hypholoma
Geriefter Schwefelkopf belongs to the family Strophariaceae, order Agaricales, within the Agaricomycetes class.
Species Profile
Geriefter Schwefelkopf (Hypholoma ericaeoides) is a distinctive sulfur-yellow capped mushroom with characteristic grooved or ridged features on its cap surface. This saprobic fungus plays a crucial ecological role in decomposing organic matter in acidic, nutrient-poor environments, particularly breaking down woody debris and contributing to soil formation in heathland ecosystems.
Hypholoma ericaeoides faces severe decline due to habitat loss from urban development and agricultural conversion of its specialized heathland ecosystems. Climate change and nitrogen deposition are altering the acidic soil chemistry and plant communities this fungus depends on for survival.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species is found exclusively in acidic heathlands and moorlands, typically growing among Calluna heather, Vaccinium species, and other ericaceous shrubs. It fruits from decaying woody stems and roots of heath plants, particularly in areas with well-drained, sandy or peaty soils with low pH levels.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Hypholoma ericaeoides faces severe decline due to habitat loss from urban development and agricultural conversion of its specialized heathland ecosystems. Climate change and nitrogen deposition are altering the acidic soil chemistry and plant communities this fungus depends on for survival.
Agricultural conversion of heathlands
Habitat loss from urban development
Climate change altering soil conditions
Fragmentation of remaining heathland patches
Nitrogen deposition changing plant communities
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). Geriefter Schwefelkopf (Hypholoma ericaeoides). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/geriefter-schwefelkopf